Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God. — Psalm 43:5

Mass readings: Haggai 2:1-9 / Luke 9:18-22 

Available Now: Healing 

I once knew a Catholic who expected his dates to go to bed with him. I asked him how he could behave like that and still see himself as a good Catholic. “It’s easy,” he said. “I just go to confession afterwards.” This man would have had trouble if he had encountered the saint we honor today: Padre Pio (1887-1968). This priest had the ability to read the hearts of people who came to him for confession. He also had gifts of wise counsel and encouragement. 

Thousands flocked to Padre Pio because he bore the five wounds of Christ — the stigmata. Those marks disappeared when he died but what have lasted are the emotional and spiritual healings that occurred in his confessional. The same healing of heart and soul is available to us through this life-changing sacrament. 

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the sacrament of reconciliation. Help me to seek and receive it.