Rebuilding the Body of Christ

THE WORD AND THE SAINT

September 23, 2021: Remembering Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

Haggai 1:1-8; Luke 9: 7-9

It is important to know that the house is in ruins and more important to know the reason. The world today is experiencing that ruin in many fronts. The wounded peace, the wrecked ecology, the neglected humanity, the despised helpless, the insensitive power centres and added to all these the ravaging pandemic... these are the experiences of ruins. If we carry on our lives paying no attention to these, but trying to live our religious lives as mere ritual requirements, we will be like Herod who was more curious to see Jesus than earnest to see himself in the light of Jesus.

The Saint we celebrate today, a saint of our times - hardly fifty years ago did he die. He stood as a reminder to the world, calling attention to the ruins of humanity, the ruins of human soul, the ruins of total wellbeing. As a dedicated pastor, he vehemently opposed the hypocritical practice of religious traditions and called people to an uncompromising commitment to Christian vocation. He stands today a great testimony that challenges every Christian to question and appraise oneself and one's commitment to the Lord. He reminded everyone whom he came across that we belong to God and as one community we build up the Mystical body of Christ, here on earth.

Today, to reflect on our house of ruins is not merely to criticise ourselves or everyone else who is around, but to look at ourselves in the light of Jesus and his Mystical Body. The Mystical Body of Christ is the communion of believers, the communion of human persons, a true communion of heart and spirit. Are we building up such a presence amidst us? If not, Jesus' body, the house of God, is in ruins! It is important that we know that the house is in ruins and more important that we analyse to see where really lies the problem. 

A bit of sincerity and a lot of dedication will set this house back in order - am I doing my part in it?