By Christina Semmens

“Thy word is a lamp to my feet.” ~Psalm 119:105

Today’s readings are tied together in the response found in the psalm—“Thy word is a lamp for my feet” (Psalm 119:105). When we turn to the Word of God, then we can gain clarity as to whose we are (the Lord’s) and what we are to do in the living out of our daily life. 

In the first reading from Proverbs, the Lord tells us He has two things He asks of us. First, to live honorably by putting falsehood and lying far away, and second, to live a life of simple poverty by refraining from asking for anything other than the necessities (like food) that we need.  

Love Isn’t Loved

Saint Francis of Assisi knew how important it was to turn to the Word of God. In fact, Saint Francis instructed his followers to, “Just do what you read” for living a life of discipleship. He instructed that “Love isn’t loved” unless done with humility of heart while living simply, and these ideas were integrated into the Rule of Saint Francis.

The Church honors Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) today. Padre Pio’s life is a beautiful example of Saint Francis’ rule as he was humble of heart, lived simply, and just did what he read in the Gospels. Although Padre Pio was famous for “reading souls” in the confessional and bilocation, he was gifted in his capacity to ensure that others knew and felt loved.  

Take Nothing For Your Journey

Finally, Jesus tells us in the Gospel, “Take nothing for your journey” (Luke 9:3). Obedience to this instruction will empower us to be able to do the two things God asks of us. Combined with humility of heart and simple living like Padre Pio, we, too, can be instruments of love who ensure that love is loved. Therefore, let’s resolve to be those instruments today! 

Prayer:

Saint Padre Pio, help us always turn to the Word of God in humility. May we live simply so we are free to love others as you did in accordance with the Rule of Saint Francis. May the Lord strengthen our resolve to meet others with, through, and in love, so they may experience being loved as He loves us. Amen.

Call to Action:

Today, reach out to one person in need of love—be it a family member, a friend, coworker, or neighbor—and be present to them so they may experience being loved. And then ask Saint Padre Pio to bring them before the Lord so they may be open to receiving the fullness of His love for them.

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