September 23, 2014: St. Pius of Pietrelcina ("Padre Pio"), priest
Look
- 'Eyeball' tie pin: All your ways may be right in your eyes, but it's the Lord who proves hearts. Haughty eyes and a proud heart lead to wickedness. (1st reading)
- Blue shirt: Jesus' mother came to him... (gospel)
- 'Working people' tie: "Blessed are those who hear God's word and act on it" (gospel)
- 'Blood drop' and 'nail' pins: Padre Pio's stigmata
- 'Clock' tie bar: Landowner hired laborers at dawn, 9am, noon, 3pm, and 5pm (Sunday gospel)
- Blessed are those that be undefiled/ Tallis (lyrics+) (psalm)
- That man is blest who, fearing God (lyrics+) (psalm)
- 11 Psalm 119 songs by Isaac Watts (of Joy to the world fame)
- Who is my mother/ Murray (gospel) [listening tip]
People followed Jesus because they heard the power of salvation in his words, but some followed him halfheartedly. Jesus loved the crowd, to the point of saying, "these who follow me are my mother and my brothers." Just two conditions to follow Jesus: listen and act. We need really to listen, not just hear casually. Ask the life-changing question, "What is God saying to me with this word?” Open your heart to God's Word. Jesus' enemies heard him but didn't ask that. God speaks to each one of us.
Putting into practice what we hear isn't easy; not worrying about what God's word demands is easier. The Commandments and Beatitudes are sure guides. God is patient, merciful, forgiving, and waits for everyone. Jesus receives everyone, even those who betray Him. Listen with an open heart and willingness to act.
- Prv 21:1-6, 10-13 It's God who proves hearts. Doing right pleases God more than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and proud hearts lead to evil. Haste leads to poverty. The wise gain knowledge. If you shut your ear to the cry of the poor, your call won't be heard.
- Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44 "Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands." Blessed they who walk in the law of the Lord. Give me discernment, that I may keep your law.
- Lk 8:19-21 Jesus, told his mother and brothers couldn't get past the crowd: “My mother and brothers are those who hear and act on God's word.”
Today's Saints, from Universalis
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| St. Pio of Pietrelcina |
- St. Pio of Pietrelcina ("Padre Pio"), Capuchin priest, spiritual advisor, confessor, intercessor, stigmatic
- St. Adomnan of Iona, abbot, wrote Life of St. Columba (St. Columbkille), praised as the best and most complete biography written in Europe for centuries [though hagiography]
- Creighton: The poor aren’t just the materially poor but also those lacking security, self- esteem, love.... Listen and respond to their cry. We're equal to Mary when we hear and act on God's word.
- One Bread One Body: Do I welcome God's word into my heart? Am I a doer? (Jas 1:21-22)
- Passionist: As we struggle to do God's will in our lives, we come closer to Jesus. May we, as Jesus, see others as our brothers and sisters. What if we nurtured and cared for each other as the best families do? May we follow Jesus as sisters and brothers in loving and in working for the kingdom.
- DailyScripture.net: Being Christian is a relationship—of trust, affection, faithfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, helpfulness, support.... God seeks a personal intimate relationship with each of us. If I unite my will with God's, I'm a true child of God. "A Christian's only relatives are the saints" (Lucian of Antioch). Our adoption transforms our relationships and requires loyalty to God and his kingdom of justice and peace.
Sunday updated
The SFPR Congress Mass video was updated, so I adjusted the 14 links to the music; sorry if you visited when they were off. Check it out now.
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