Homily for Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time 

– Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest.

Readings: Ezra 6:7–8, 12b, 14–20; Psalm 122:1–2, 3–4ab, 4cd–5; Luke 8:19–21.

Theme: “Hearing the Word, Living the Word, Bearing the Wounds of Love”



Introduction

There’s a story of a little boy who saw a statue of a saint in church. The boy asked his father, “Why does the saint have holes in his hands?” His father replied, “Those are the wounds of love, son. They remind us that holiness always costs something.”

Today we celebrate Saint Padre Pio, a man who bore the wounds of Christ in his body (the stigmata) and who reminds us that true discipleship is not just about listening but also about suffering, loving, and living the Word of God.

The Word of God

  • In Ezra 6, the exiles joyfully completed the Temple’s rebuilding, despite many obstacles. It was a testimony that God’s Word and promise endure, and obedience to Him brings blessing.

  • Psalm 122 sings of the joy of going to the house of the Lord. Worship is not a burden but a gift that unites God’s people.

  • In Luke 8, Jesus teaches that His true family are those who hear the Word of God and put it into practice. This shifts the focus from bloodlines to obedience, from belonging by birth to belonging by faith.

Connection with Saint Padre Pio

Padre Pio lived these readings to the full.

  • Like the exiles who persevered in building the Temple, he persevered in prayer, confession, and ministry despite great opposition and misunderstanding—even from within the Church.

  • Like the psalmist, he drew thousands to the “house of the Lord,” not only in liturgy but also through the sacrament of reconciliation, spending up to 16 hours a day in the confessional.

  • Like the disciples Jesus speaks of, Padre Pio did not just hear the Word—he lived it radically. His wounds, his patience in suffering, and his compassion for sinners showed that he belonged completely to Christ’s family.

Lessons for Our Daily Life

  1. Holiness is costly – it means embracing sacrifice, patience, and even suffering for Christ.

  2. Prayer is the heart of discipleship – Padre Pio said, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Prayer connects us to God’s Word and gives us strength to live it.

  3. We are family in Christ – our unity is not by blood but by faith and love lived out. Like Padre Pio, we must build communities of prayer, forgiveness, and compassion.

Motivational / Inspirational Message

Padre Pio reminds us that even in a noisy world, prayer and faithfulness still change lives. His stigmata was not just a miracle, it was a sign: that when we love Christ deeply, His wounds become our wounds, and His mission becomes our mission.

Quote of the Day

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” — Saint Padre Pio

Final Thoughts

The Jubilee Year and the Synod call us to be a listening, praying, and merciful Church. Saint Padre Pio is a perfect example of how to listen to God’s Word, put it into practice, and carry Christ’s wounds for the healing of others.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
through the example of Saint Padre Pio,
teach me to listen more deeply to Your Word,
to live it with courage,
and to carry my sufferings with love.
May my prayer bring me closer to You,
and may my life be a sign of hope for others.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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