Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Pius of Pietrelcina—beloved by so many simply as Padre Pio. The readings for his feast remind us of both the goal of the Christian life—eternal communion with God—and the path that leads us there:
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself.”
Self-denial, or what we might also call detachment, is not meant to be a grim exercise or a quest for the admiration of others. It is rooted in love—love for Christ above all. True love always requires sacrifice, and our own families teach us this lesson. Denying ourselves for the sake of a spouse, child, or friend may be difficult, but the fruit of that sacrifice is a joy deeper than words can capture. That joy comes from encountering the Lord Himself, who is beyond all human measure and understanding.
On this feast of Padre Pio, let us ask his intercession for the grace to turn away from the fleeting allurements of the world, so that we may walk faithfully with Christ in love, sacrifice, and joy.
Living in Love with God 
Leave a comment