23rd September, 2013: Remembering Padre Pio
Today we come across an event which seemed messianic for the people of Israel, infact it is said that they began to look at King Cyrus as the promised messiah, as he gave them the long desired liberty and came forward to build their ruined temple. The message the Word has today is loud and clear - your history and geography has nothing much to decide when it comes to what kind of a person you would want to be. Being the light of the nations was a collective call given to the people through the prophets; it was also the Christian identity according to Christ - the same Jesus who proclaimed, "I am the Light of the World" (Jn 9:5), commissions us, "you are the light of the world" (Mt 5:14) and "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaver" (Mt 5:16). St. Pius of Pietrelcina or fondly and popularly known as Padre Pio, is a prodigy in holiness belonging to our times - a shining light today bringing so many people to glorify the Lord. Let us be filled with the Light, and let our light shine and reach out - to brighten the lives of people in gloom and warm the hearts of persons who have grown cold!