Today, September 23
Feast of the Day
No feast of the day
Saint of the Day
Francesco Forgione (1887-1968) was born in the Italian village of Pietrelcina. He entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars at the age of 16, taking the name Pio ('pious'), and was ordained in 1910. He lived for over 50 years at the friary of San Giovanni Rotondo, devoted to a life of ministry through sacramental reconciliation and celebration of the eucharist, and helping countless people who sought his counsel. Pope Paul VI said of him: "Look what fame he had, what a worldwide following gathered around him! But why? Perhaps because he was a philosopher? Because he was wise? Because he had resources at his disposal? Because he said Mass humbly, heard confessions from dawn to dusk and was - it is not easy to say it - one who bore the wounds of our Lord. He was a man of prayer and suffering." Padre Pio was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
©2011 Living with Christ, Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/. Reprinted with permission.
Readings of the Day
Book of Proverbs 30,5-9.
Every word of God is tested ; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Add nothing to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be exposed as a deceiver. Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; (provide me only with the food I need;) Lest, being full, I deny you, saying, "Who is the LORD?" Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God.
Psalms 119(118),29.72.89.101.104.163.
Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Your word, O LORD, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens. From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words. Through your precepts I gain discernment; therefore I hate every false way. Falsehood I hate and abhor; your law I love.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 9,1-6.
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them." Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
Daily Reflection
To be an apostle? How? Through those whom God makes available. Priests have their superiors who tell them what they are to do. Laypeople should be apostles towards all those they reach: relations and friends but not them alone; charity is not restricted, it embraces all those embraced by the Heart of Jesus. By what means? By the best possible, taking into account those to whom they address themselves. But with all those with whom they are in relation, without exception with goodness, kindness, brotherly love, the example of virtue, and with the humility and gentleness that is always so attractive and so Christian. With some people without ever saying a word to them about God or religion, being patient as God is patient, good as God is good, by being a tender, prayerful brother. With yet others, speaking to them about God in the degree they are able to bear it. As soon as they have started thinking about seeking out the truth then through the study of religion, putting them into contact with a carefully chosen priest who is able to do them good. Above all, see a brother in every person.