IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 122

Message from Padre Pio
I end here because the bell is calling me and urging me... I will present you to the heavenly Father in union with his Son, to whom, for whom, and through whom I am totally yours in the Lord.

Reflection
How would I like all of this to end?

Scriptural Reading
John 19:28-30
After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I thirst." There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Prayer
Father God, I fear the rest of my life, but not what comes after that. Keep me always in your guidance that I may soon hear the endless toll of the bells, the joyous songs of praise of your angels and the eternal prayers of your saints! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 121

Message from Padre Pio
Finally, confess sincerely that if God were not your breastplate and shield, you would be imprudently pierced with every kind of sin.

Reflection
Have I sincerely expressed my desire, my heartfelt desire to ask God to be with me ... always?

Scriptural Reading
Ephesians 6:13-17
Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Prayer
Father God, I fear of what may still happen during the remainder of my life's journey. I am still weak; it is still so easy for me to fall again. Let me cling to you, please my Lord, I beg of you. Do not leave me. I love you! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 120

Message from Padre Pio
Propose to make amends without being presumptuous, but your strength must be in God alone.

Reflection
Have I sincerely expressed in Confession my desire to change? Or do I simply say "sorry" with no clear idea on how to avoid committing the same sin again? Is it because I feel confident I will be forgiven anyway when I confess again?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 19:8-10
But Zaccheus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."

Prayer
Father God, I want to change. Punish me if you will, but I will still desire to change! I want to believe, I want to care, I want to understand, I want to love! My soul is such a mess; help me to repair it. Amen.

99th Year Anniversary of the Receiving of the Stigmata of Saint Padre Pio

Today is the 99th year anniversary of the receiving of the stigmata of Saint Padre Pio.

On September 20, 1918, accounts state that the pains of the transverberation had ceased and Padre Pio was in "profound peace." On that day, as Padre Pio was engaged in prayer in the choir loft in the Church of Our Lady of Grace, the same Being who had appeared to him and given him the transverberation, and who is believed to be the Wounded Christ, appeared again, and Padre Pio had another experience of religious ecstasy. When the ecstasy ended, Padre Pio had received the visible stigmata, the five wounds of Christ. This time, the stigmata were permanent. They stayed visible for the next fifty years of his life.

In a letter to Padre Benedetto, his superior and spiritual advisor from San Marco in Lamis, dated October 22, 1918, Padre Pio describes his experience of receiving the stigmata:

On the morning of the 20th of last month, in the choir, after I had celebrated Mass I yielded to a drowsiness similar to a sweet sleep. [...] I saw before me a mysterious person similar to the one I had seen on the evening of 5 August. The only difference was that his hands and feet and side were dripping blood. This sight terrified me and what I felt at that moment is indescribable. I thought I should have died if the Lord had not intervened and strengthened my heart which was about to burst out of my chest. The vision disappeared and I became aware that my hands, feet and side were dripping blood. Imagine the agony I experienced and continue to experience almost every day. The heart wound bleeds continually, especially from Thursday evening until Saturday. Dear Father, I am dying of pain because of the wounds and the resulting embarrassment I feel deep in my soul. I am afraid I shall bleed to death if the Lord does not hear my heartfelt supplication to relieve me of this condition. Will Jesus, who is so good, grant me this grace? Will he at least free me from the embarrassment caused by these outward signs? I will raise my voice and will not stop imploring him until in his mercy he takes away, not the wound or the pain, which is impossible since I wish to be inebriated with pain, but these outward signs which cause me such embarrassment and unbearable humiliation....the pain was so intense that I began to feel as if I were dying on the cross.

Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 119

Message from Padre Pio
Wash your imperfections and falls with sincere tears of contrition... which will always be greater than your ingratitude.

Reflection
Have I ever cried in Confession?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 137:1,5-6
By the rivers of Babylon we sat mourning and weeping when we remembered Zion. ... If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand wither. May my tongue stick to my palate if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem beyond all my delights.

Prayer
Father God, I deserve this misery! I deserve all this for having so lazy, so forgetful, so negligent! I deserve all this for refusing to believe, for refusing to care, for refusing to love! I deserve all this for having so insatiable! I deserve to be punished! Please Lord, please Lord, do not forget me! Help me! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 118

Message from Padre Pio
When you fall, do not stay there prostrated in body and spirit. Humble yourself greatly but without being discouraged. Lower yourself without degrading yourself.

Reflection
When I am inclined to sin, am I more fearful of the social stigma when I am caught than of God's justice? If caught, am I more fearful of not gaining back my reputation, than of trying to gain God's mercy? If caught, am I more preoccupied with making excuses than going to sacramental Confession?

Scriptural Reading
Romans 8:14-17
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, Abba, "Father!" The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Prayer
Father God, now I understand that humility recognizes your supremacy as well as your loving desire to fill me with what I have lost in disobedience. I need not lose hope and wallow in the mire of self-disintegration because I need not prop myself up. You are always there for me, to make me a precious child again and to lead me to your kingdom where you live forever and ever. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 117

Message from Padre Pio
Place your heart in the open side of the Savior and unite it with the King of the hearts who is within it as on a royal throne, in order that he might receive homage and obedience from all other hearts.

Reflection
How can I be a true martyr, an effective witness of the love of God?

Scriptural Reading
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Prayer
May I be pierced with vile words, be stoned with false gossip, and be nailed with evil acts, but may I beseech you to grant me this one grace, that I love those who would harm me because of you. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 116

Message from Padre Pio
Speak to, pray to, and embrace the Beloved of souls, better than if you had been able to receive him in the sacrament.

Reflection
Isn't it delightful to be able to embrace the newborn baby Jesus? Isn't taking Holy Communion like embracing our Beloved Savior?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 2:28-31
He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples..."

Prayer
Dearest Savior, as I bloom to the prime of my health, I long to hold you in my arms and kiss your fragrant holy breath. As I wither to the dusk of my years, I long to be held in your arms and to be kissed by the lips that breathes life. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 115

Message from Padre Pio
Fly in spirit before the tabernacle, when you cannot go there with the body and there, express your ardent desires.

Reflection
Do I still spend time to think about or at least talk with my heart to the Prisoner of Love?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you store my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.

Prayer
Noble Prisoner of Love, thank you for being such a good Shepherd, for being here for me who, in spite of my intellect and free will, is always lost in the pastures of secular society. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 114

Message from Padre Pio
He will come to stay united to your soul always, through his grace and holy love.

Reflection
Why should I ever despair of having no friends in the world?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 34:19-20
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed. Many are the troubles of the just, but the Lord delivers from them all.

Prayer
My Friend, thank you for being a shoulder to cry on, for having the Heart to listen to my petty complaints, for keeping your strong arms around me, for giving your lap for me to rest on. Thank you! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 113

Message from Padre Pio
During the course of the day, when you are unable to do anything else, call on Jesus, even in the midst of all your occupations...

Reflection
Am I familiar with the beautiful practice of making short ejaculatory prayers during the day?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 104:30-31,33-35
When you send forth your breath, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord be glad in these works! ... I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live. May my theme be pleasing to God; I will rejoice in the Lord. May sinners vanish from the earth, and the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, my soul! Hallelujah!

Prayer
Mighty Savior, in honor of you and our Blessed Mother, may I pray frequently for myself and for the poor souls in purgatory: Lord Jesus, Mother Mary, I love you, save souls! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 112

Message from Padre Pio
If you are not granted the ability to stay a long time in prayer... you must not be discouraged. As long as you receive Jesus every morning, you must consider yourself extremely fortunate.

Reflection
Have I come to the point of despising others for disturbing my prayer time?

Scriptural Reading
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer
Great Lord, guard me from being swayed from true homage; let me realize that I still have to spend some time to live in this world, but let me also realize that now I am not of the world. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 111

Message from Padre Pio
I approve of your work for gaining souls for Jesus. By all means, receive Holy Communion for the Holy Father's intentions.

Reflection
Is it not a beautiful devotion to receive Holy Communion with the prayer that the blessings intended for the communicant be given for the spiritual needs of others?

Scriptural Reading
Mark 1:16-17
As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Prayer
My sweet Lord Jesus, may it be my passion to win souls for you, just as you have always found a way to win my soul. May it be my mission to care for them, just as you are always here to look after me. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 110

Message from Padre Pio
...what a good thing it is to stay close to him on the mount of his glory! ... Contrary to our every merit, we are on the steps of Tabor; and we must have a firm determination to love and serve his divine goodness well.

Reflection
Is it not more tranquil now?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 17:2,5-7
And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. ... While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid."

Prayer
My Lord, many of us may be bewildered by your Transfiguration, by your holy countenance suddenly becoming pure light. But I rejoice in you, for you have shown us, by your most compassionate Heart, the true glory that is to come. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 109

Message from Padre Pio
I never cease to implore blessings for you from Jesus, and to beg the Lord to transform you totally in him.

Reflection
After having prayed so much for myself, is it not time I now pray for others?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 11:5-10
And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him.' and he says in reply from within, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.' I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Prayer
Almighty Lord, may you give us all—my family, friends, and even those who to this day abuse your love—the gift of your grace and light, that every day we may see clearly the depth of your love. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 108

Message from Padre Pio
Know that the saints were always mocked by the world and the worldly, but even so they placed the world and its maxims under their feet.

Reflection
Am I prepared to follow the hard path of the saints?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 15:1-3
Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy mountain? Whoever walks without blame, doing what is right, speaking truth from the heart; who does not slander a neighbor, does no harm to another, never defames a friend.

Prayer
O my kind Jesus Christ, may humiliation for your sake be sweeter than the praises of the world! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 107

Message from Padre Pio
Always be faithful to God in observing the promises you made him, and pay no attention to the mocking of the foolish.

Reflection
Who do I think is more foolish: he who tries hard to savor a life that lasts sixty or seventy years; or he who tries hard to be worthy of the gift of a life that lasts forever?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 39:6-8
You have given my days a very short span; my life is as nothing before you. All mortals are but a breath. Mere phantoms, we go our way; mere vapor, our restless pursuits; we heap up stores without knowing for whom. And now, Lord, what future do I have? You are my only hope.

Prayer
Loving Father, you know it is easy for me to make promises but you also know that I am too weak to keep them. Make me strong to do my best, for I know that you are happy with one weak soul trying to do his best than a hundred strong souls who hardly make an effort to become a little better. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 106

Message from Padre Pio
You are not unaware of the fact that I desire to die and to love God; either death or love, given that life without this love is worse than death.

Reflection
How is it that I can go on living a life decrepit of love? love that thrives not on pleasure, but on sacrifice?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 42:2-4
As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God. My being thirsts for God. When can I go and see the face of God? My tears have been my food day and night, as they ask daily, "Where is your God?"

Prayer
My Master of love, either a life in your love or death to a life that cannot nurture it! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 105

Message from Padre Pio
We should make a great effort to become holy, and render great service to God and our neighbor.

Reflection
What greater service can I render than to be a minister providing spiritual direction and formation for my spouse and for my children?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 128:1-4
Happy are all who fear the Lord, who walk in the ways of God. What your hands provide you will enjoy; you will be happy and prosper: like a fruitful vine your wife within your home, like olive plants your children around your table. Just so will they be blessed who fear the Lord.

Prayer
Father of families, may I be always reminded of my primary task: to serve with love and sacrifice for the material and spiritual development of the souls you have chosen to give me. May I die that they may live! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 104

Message from Padre Pio
Do your best to conform always, and in everything, to the will of God, in all eventualities and do not fear. This is the sure path to heaven.

Reflection
When I suffer for any reason, do I still feel that this suffering is the will of God?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 42:11-12
It shatters my bones, when my adversaries reproach me. They say to me daily: "Where is your God?" Why are you downcast, my soul, why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God.

Prayer
I am always tempted to think that suffering can never be your will, my Lord; why would you let someone you love suffer so much? But I understand that suffering is gradual detachment from the world and all its attractions and distractions; suffering is the gradual realization that you alone are my ultimate destiny! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 103

Message from Padre Pio
Remember what took place in the heart of our heavenly Mother at the foot of the cross. She was turned to stone before her crucified Son, due to excessive suffering, but you cannot say she was abandoned.

Reflection
When I suffer for the faith, do I feel abandoned?

Scriptural Reading
John 19:26-27
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

Prayer
Lord of the destitute and the forsaken, of the suffering and the mourning, I feel the pain of trying to do what is right and I feel the pain of being left alone. You are my refuge, my Lord, you are my only support! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 102

Message from Padre Pio
Let your will always be contrary to his suggestions, and live tranquilly...

Reflection
Why have we made life so complicated?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build. Unless the Lord guard the city, in vain does the guard keep watch. It is vain for you to rise early and put off your rest at night, to eat bread earned by hard toil—all this God gives to his beloved in sleep.

Prayer
O Lord, we have pushed our humanity to the limits. We have pushed our intellect, our passions, our freedom, and our sanity to the brink, in our desire to live a life which we think is the only one that exists. I know now, my dearest, that there is a better life, a more beautiful life that lasts forever. Keep me in peace. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 101

Message from Padre Pio
Temptations against faith and purity are the merchandise offered by the enemy...

Reflection
Am I tempted to abandon in reason what I have accepted in faith? Am I tempted to love by taking for myself what I desire in pleasure rather than to love by giving myself, what I am, and what I have in sacrifice?

Scriptural Reading
Tobit 8:5-10
She got up, and they started to pray and beg that deliverance might be theirs. He began with these words: "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers; praised be your name forever and ever. Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever. You made Adam and you gave him his wife Eve to be his help and support; and from these two the human race descended. You said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.' Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age." They said together, "Amen, amen," and went to bed for the night. But Raguel got up and summoned his servants. With him they went out to dig a grave, for he said, "I must do this, because if Tobiah should die, we would be subjected to ridicule and insult."

Prayer
My dearest Jesus, may you always bless me to believe what you taught me to believe; and to love you as you taught me to love. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 100

Message from Padre Pio
As long as he makes an uproar, it is a sign that he has not yet possessed the will. Don't be upset by what you experience through the work of this rebellious angel.

Reflection
Was there a time that I had to face severe criticism or ridicule because I refused to do what clearly is against my conscience?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.

Prayer
Amidst the noise of a world that cannot understand you, I can still hear your calm voice calling me to follow the straight but narrow way. Please be here with me always to guide me and comfort me. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 99

Message from Padre Pio
But the soul will acquire its calm, and the calm will not delay in coming. Be patient a while longer and everything will work out well.

Reflection
Is it not consoling that a soul purified in the tribulations of avoiding to do what is evil can be perfected in resisting evil itself?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 1:46-49
And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoice in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name."

Prayer
Hail Mary, conceived without sin, born is the fullness of grace, and perfected by her obedience in the fight against evil, pray for me. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 98

Message from Padre Pio
Up to now your life has been that of an infant; now the Lord wants to treat you as an adult.

Reflection
Am I the loyal child prepared to fight for the love of God? Or am I the self-centered child, scheming to get only what I want, complaining if I don't, and keeping quiet if issues concerning the common good do not concern me?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 131:1-3
Lord, my heart is not proud; nor are my eyes haughty. I do not busy myself with great matters, with things too sublime for me. Rather, I have stilled my soul, hushed it like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother's lap, so is my soul within me. Israel, hope in the Lord, now and forever.

Prayer
Father God, may I be a precious child, totally dependent on you, totally dependable for you! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 97

Message from Padre Pio
Don't let temptations frighten you. They are the trials of those souls whom God wants to put to the test when he sees them strong enough to sustain the battle, weaving with their own hands the crown of glory.

Reflection
In loving remembrance of him whom I fully trust, isn't it obvious that he will not present to me a challenge that I cannot win for him?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 4:8-11
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.

Prayer
Lord you know that I trust you more about what is good for me than I do myself! I am now prepared to know where I am weak, for in finding my weakness, I discover your grace and the strength of my love for you. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 96

Message from Padre Pio
Observe well that as long as you are displeased by the temptations you have nothing to fear... These troublesome temptations come from the evil of the devil. But the displeasure and suffering we experience come from the mercy of God...

Reflection
Isn't it clear that, as St. Pio said, my temptations come from the devil, but my affections come from God?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 4:1-4
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones become loaves of bread." He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'"

Prayer
Father God, let me do as your servant Pio advises, "to despise the temptations and embrace the tribulation." May I detest the inclination to do what is wrong and may I rejoice in the suffering to try to do what is right. For shouldn't my love for you be tested not when my Lord gives, but when my Lord takes away? Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 95

Message from Padre Pio
Don't make an effort to overcome your temptations, because these efforts would strengthen them... Call to your imagination Jesus Christ Crucified in your arms and on your breast.

Reflection
Am I prepared to resist?

Scriptural Reading
Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with the flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, may I, as your servant Pio suggests, kiss your side and say, "This is my hope; the living source of my happiness. I will hold you tightly, Jesus, and will not let you go until you have placed me in a safe place." Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 94

Message from Padre Pio
But you must defend yourselves, casting aside and despising his evil insinuations, in the name of God and holy obedience.

Reflection
Do I try to avoid occasions that may lead me to sin?

Scriptural Reading
Ephesians 5:5-9
Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. So do not be associated with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.

Prayer
My dear Holy Spirit, bless me with the grace to pray always, to persevere in habitual mental prayer. For isn't it true that I cannot pray and disobey my Father at the same time? Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 93

Message from Padre Pio
I know that the Lord permits the devil to make these assaults, because his mercy renders you dear to him, and he wants you to be similar to him in the anguish of the desert, the garden, and on the cross.

Reflection
If I am not tempted by the evil one, how can I put to the test my commitment to totally surrender myself to the Lord?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 22:44-46
[He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.] When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test."

Prayer
Dearest Savior, I unite my small sufferings to the pangs of hunger you endured in the desert, to the agony and the bloody sweat you bore in the garden of Gethsemane, and to the excruciating pain you sustained on the cross! May every beating of my puny heart be an offering of the love for you. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 92

Message from Padre Pio
Doesn't the Holy Spirit tell us that when the soul approaches God, it must prepare itself for temptations? Courage, therefore, courage... Fight valiantly and you will receive the prize of strong souls.

Reflection
Are temptations now more intense, more frequent?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 146:8-9
The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord raises up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the stranger, sustains the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the way of the wicked.

Prayer
Holy Comforter, steady with your grace my unsteady heart, treading the thin line between what satisfies the senses and what fills the spirit. Hold me and keep me in your merciful gaze. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 91

Message from Padre Pio
It is up to us to defend the honor of this meek Lamb who is always concerned when the case of souls is in question, but always silent where his own case is concerned.

Reflection
Have I, at least on one occasion, defended the teachings of Christ and the Church?

Scriptural Reading
2 Timothy 4:3-8
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.

Prayer
Great Holy Spirit, you strengthened me in the sacrament of Confirmation. Fortify me now in my resolve to be, until my death, a warrior of the faith. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 90

Message from Padre Pio
We need do no more than we are doing at present, that is, to love divine Providence and abandon ourselves in his arms and Heart.

Reflection
What is so demanding in being like a child to God?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry and say, "What are we to eat?" or "What are we to drink?" or "What are we to wear?" All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to rest awhile. May I lay my head down on your lap? Please comfort me with your words of assurance and be with me in my holy slumber. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 89

Message from Padre Pio
See how much scorn and sacrilege are committed by the sons of men towards the most holy humanity of his Son in the sacrament of love?

Reflection
What am I doing about it?

Scriptural Reading
Mark 15:17-19
They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him. They began to salute him with, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and kept striking his head with a reed and spitting upon him. They knelt before him in homage.

Prayer
If it be your will, my Lord, from this day forward, I consecrate myself to the mission of promoting a more meaningful adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 88

Message from Padre Pio
...my God, I desire no greater pleasure than my faith, my hope, my love; to be able only to say sincerely, even if sometimes without feeling, that I would rather die than abandon this virtue.

Reflection
What pleasure do I desire?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 40:9
To do your will is my delight; my God, your law is in my heart!

Prayer
My Lord, my God, nothing pleases me more than your love! May you be pleased by mine. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 87

Message from Padre Pio
God does not want you to experience the feeling of love for him and your neighbor in a perceptible manner...

Reflection
Do I feel that the love of God is too demanding?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 6:1,3-4
[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. ... But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your alms-giving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Prayer
O Jesus, what can be less demanding than to love you who still loves even those who have been totally despised by the world? My Lord, I love you! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 86

Message from Padre Pio
A lively faith, blind belief, and complete adherence to the authorities constituted by God over you... this is the light that always shines in the tip of those souls who are acceptable to the Father. This is the light that led the Magi to adore the newly-born Messiah.

Reflection
Am I like the Magi?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 2:1-2
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."

Prayer
Father, like the Magi, I will allow myself to be led through paths unknown, putting all my trust that at the end of this painful journey, I may offer the gift of myself to your divine Son. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 85

Message from Padre Pio
I also told these souls that they are God's vineyard. The water supply is faith; the tower is hope; the wine press is holy charity, and the hedge is the law of God that separates them from the children of the world.

Reflection
Do I belong to God's vineyard? Am I nurtured by my faith, inspired by hope, and called to selflessness by charity?

Scriptural Reading
John 15:5-6,9-12
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whomever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. ... As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

Prayer
My dearest Lord, I have long since asked for answers to my prayers. Let me now be an answer to someone else's prayer. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 84

Message from Padre Pio
I bless God with all my heart who made me meet truly good souls.

Reflection
Have I met Padre Pio in my prayers?

Scriptural Reading
Philemon vv. 4-7
I give thanks to my God always, remembering you in my prayers, as I hear of the love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and for all the holy ones, so that your partnership in the faith may become effective in recognizing every good there is in us that leads to Christ. For I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother.

Prayer
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, my dearest Padre, I wish I can be your lifelong friend. Guide me along the path of your Master whose sufferings you bore physically on earth. Great martyr of the confessional, pray for me. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 83

Message from Padre Pio
Make a particular effort to practice sweetness and submission to the will of God, not only in extraordinary matters, but even in the little things that occur daily.

Reflection
Do I submit myself to the will of God in the labor of feeding a family, keeping them warm and educating them? Do I submit myself in the daily grind of work of producing impressive results and avoiding dismal failure? Do I submit myself in the daily toil of traffic, stress, health hazards, anxieties over a lonely existence?

Scriptural Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13,16-18
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who are laboring among you and who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you, and to show esteem for them with special love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. ... Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Prayer
My Father, your will be done, not mine. Though bitter the experience of it may seem, it is sweetened by your love. I offer to you, loving Father, the cross of my life! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 82

Message from Padre Pio
You do well never to begin any task without first having implored divine help. This will obtain for you the grace of holy perseverance.

Reflection
How can I subdue in myself the evils of the world, without the help of the Lord who is the Master of all?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 62:2-3
My soul rests in God alone, from whom comes my salvation. God alone is my rock and salvation, my secure height; I shall never fall.

Prayer
My dear Lord, where shall I go? You have the words of eternal life! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 81

Message from Padre Pio
I bless the good God for the holy sentiments his grace gives you.

Reflection
Am I good because I tried to be good? Or am I good because I asked the Lord to help me to become good?

Scriptural Reading
John 14:26
The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name–he will teach you everything and remind you all of that [I] told you.

Prayer
Dearest Advocate, I cannot believe, nor learn, nor understand without you. I cannot hope for pardon or grace without you. I cannot be patient, nor humble, nor obedient, nor moderate, nor steadfast without you. May your divine assistance remain with us always. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 80

Message from Padre Pio
Fight like a strong soul if you wish to obtain the reward of strong souls.

Reflection
Am I resolved to fight the evil one? Or is he so deceptively beautiful and handsome that I have already refused to resist?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 4:5-8
Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, "I shall give to you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me." Jesus said to him in reply, "It is written: 'You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.'"

Prayer
Father, Father! May your kingdom come! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 79

Message from Padre Pio
You must principally insist on the basis of Christian justice and the foundation of goodness.

Reflection
Should I, who have more, think and act to share with those who have less? Should I, who have more, show that I am sharing with the needy?

Scriptural Reading
Acts 2:42,44-45
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. ... All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them them among all according to each one's need.

Prayer
Loving Jesus, you know my innermost thoughts and feelings. May my actions and deeds truly reflect sincerity to love you and my neighbor and not the insincerity to love myself. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 78

Message from Padre Pio
...everything passes, only God remains to the soul, if it knows how to love him well.

Reflection
Don't bigger cars mean more fuel? Larger houses mean more dirt to clean up? fancier gadgetry means less sacrifice expended and less satisfaction gained when accomplishing something? Doesn't modern entertainment mean more violent behavior to worry about? Is it not possible that we now have much more knowledge, but much less wisdom?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 18:28-30
Then Peter said, "We have given up our possessions and followed you." He said to them, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive [back] an overabundant return in this present age and eternal life in the age to come."

Prayer
Lord, all that I cherish today, all that inspires me, the loving touch of my family, the warmth of my friends, the comfort of my possessions, the pride in my achievements shall all soon pass–and only you will remain. Am I prepared for that time? Yes, I will try. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 77

Message from Padre Pio
...detach ourselves from this lying world where everything is folly and vanity.

Reflection
Doesn't our modern world continue to promise happiness? bigger cars, larger houses, fancier gadgetry, more graphic entertainment, and all the means to know about everything else in the world? But why have we become more insensitive and dull, having more health problems, smaller homes, and more loneliness?

Scriptural Reading
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement of the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Prayer
Sweet Spirit of God, lead me from the allure of all these false pleasures and into the true joy of your kingdom where you live and reign with the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 76

Message from Padre Pio
Let us abandon ourselves to him...

Reflection
Do I still try to live my life as if it were my own and I do with it whatever I please? Or do I live my life as if it were God's and that he may do with it whatever he wills?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 125:1-2
Like Mount Zion are they who trust in the Lord, unshakable, forever enduring. As mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds his people both now and forever.

Prayer
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put all my trust in you. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 75

Message from Padre Pio
By doing this, our love for God is selfless, and one loves and serves God in this way at one's own expense, a behavior that pertains to perfect souls.

Reflection
How can I show my love for God?

Scriptural Reading
Hebrews 13:15-17
Through him [then] let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind. Obey your leaders and defer to them, for they keep watch over you and will have to give an account, that they may fulfill their task with joy and not with sorrow, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Prayer
Sweet Father, now you are my only sweetness. Let me now taste the bitterness of the cross, that I may offer to you in love the works I have committed to do in your name. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 74

Message from Padre Pio
If God does not offer you sweetness, then you must still be content, patiently eating your bread, even if it is dry, doing your duty without any compensation, for the present.

Reflection
Do I ask God for what I deserve or do I ask God for what he desires for me and for the common good?

Scriptural Reading
1 Peter 4:13-14
But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Prayer
Dearest Father, I willingly drink of the cup of fears than of the wineglass of merriment, for I now understand that the world can only be a better place if each would forego of their own comfort for the happiness of others. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 73

Message from Padre Pio
...don't permit any of them to be lost, deserting the nest.

Reflection
What do I do with stubborn souls?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 18:15-16
If your brother sins [against you], go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that "every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses."

Prayer
Great Shepherd of souls, like you, may I face the greatest of hardships to save even one lost soul, than to be content with the obedience of ninety-nine others. Amen.

PRAYER FOR PRIESTS PANALANGIN PARA SA MGA PARI

St. John Mary Vianney, patron saint for priests.

English:

O Jesus
I pray for Your faithful and fervent priests;
for Your unfaithful and tepid priests;
for Your priests laboring at home or abroad
in distant mission fields;
for Your tempted priests;
for Your lonely and desolate priest;
for Your young priests;
for Your dying priests;
for the souls of Your priests in purgatory.

But above all
I recommend to You the priests dearest to me;
the priest who baptized me;
the priests who absolved me from my sins;
the priests at whose Masses I assisted
and who gave me Your Body and Blood in Holy communion;
the priests who taught and instructed me;
all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way.

O Jesus
keep them all close to Your heart
and bless them abundantly
in time and in eternity.

Amen.

Mary, mother of all priests, pray for us.

Saint John Mary Vianney, pray for us.

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us.


Filipino:

O Hesus,
ipinapanalangin ko sa Iyo ang matapat at maalab Mong Pari;
ang mga lilo at nanlalamig Mong pari;
ang Iyong mga paring nagpapagal dito at sa ibang bansa
lalo na yaong mga nasa kaduluduluhang bahagi ng daigdig;
ang mga pari Mong nahaharap sa matinding tukso at pagsubok;
ang mga nangungulila at nag-iisa Mong pari;
ang Iyong mga bata at maysakit na pari;
ang mga kaluluwa sa purgatoryo ng Iyong mga pari.

Higit sa lahat,
ipinapanalangin ko sa Iyo ang mga paring mahal sa akin;
ang paring nagbinyag sa akin;
ang mga paring nagpapakumpisal sa akin;
ang mga paring nangunguna sa Misa namin
at nagbibigay sa akin ng Iyong Katawan at Dugo sa Banal na Komunyon;
ang mga paring nagtuturo at gumagabay sa akin;
at ang lahat ng paring pinagkakautangan ko ng loob.

O Hesus,
alalahanin at ilapit mo Silang lahat
sa Iyong Mahal na puso
at lagi Mo nawa silang pagpalain,
ngayon at magpasawalang hanggan.

Amen.

Maria, ina ng lahat ng mga pari, ipanalangin mo kami.

San Juan Maria Vianney, ipanalangin mo kami.

San Pio ng Pietrelcina, ipanalangin mo kami.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 72

Message from Padre Pio
I also bless the zealous work of missionaries.

Reflection
Have I ever considered the simple vocation of talking to another about Christ, one soul at a time?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 10:7-8
As you go, make this proclamation: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received, without cost you are to give.

Prayer
Master Missionary, the Holy Father exhorted all your disciples to be missionaries, not only in the way we speak or think, but also in the way we live out our everyday life. Grant me the courage to persevere in bringing at least one lost soul to you at a time. May your words be my words to them. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 71

Message from Padre Pio
I wholeheartedly bless the work of catechizing children, who are the little flowers of Jesus.

Reflection
Do I take responsibility, take part, support, or promote the teaching of the Catholic faith to my children or to those who depend on me?

Scriptural Reading
Mark 10:14-16
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

Prayer
Chief Catechist, the Holy Father exhorted all your disciples to be catechists, especially in their own homes. May you bless all of us who struggle for a genuine Christian formation of the family, that rooted deeply in your way, humanity may at last enjoy lasting peace and unity. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 70

Message from Padre Pio
One must truly be a mother towards all those people and for this reason, have great care for them...

Reflection
If I may have spent my time of service in sharing the wisdom of Jesus, then can I spend more time in sharing with others the motherly care of Mary?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 12:48-50
But he said in reply to the one who told him, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother."

Prayer
O Holy Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, pray for us. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 69

Message from Padre Pio
May God be pleased to see that these poor creatures truly repent and return to him.

Reflection
Have I tried to discover how a devotion to our Blessed Mother can lead us to repentance and a return to her beloved Son?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 2:34-35
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

Prayer
Holy Spouse of the Blessed Virgin, may you guide us, little children, to seek the care of our Mother, that we may find and be nurtured by the love of her Son. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 68

Message from Padre Pio
Don't try excessively to heal your heart, as your efforts would only make it more infirm. Don't make too great an effort to overcome your temptations... Despise them and don't dwell on them too much.

Reflection
Do I think more about the times when I stumbled than about the times when the Lord helped me to get up again?

Scriptural Reading
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.

Prayer
Lord of fortitude, help me to be busy, that my mind may dwell only on what I can and will do for you in love, rather than on what I will not do against you in fear. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 67

Message from Padre Pio
You must hate your faults, but with a quiet hate, not troublesome and restless.

Reflection
Do I admit my faults or do I still make or contrive good excuses for them?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 18:13
But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, "O God, be merciful to me a sinner!"

Prayer
There can be no good cause for offending you, my Lord, for true love can never justify even the smallest acts of mischief or disobedience. I accuse myself, dearest Lord, do with me as you will. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 66

Message from Padre Pio
Walk with simplicity in the ways of the Lord, and do not torment your spirit.

Reflection
Why am I trying so hard to be more than just simple? Or is it better to try hard at being simply simple?

Scriptural Reading
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.

Prayer
Lord of the heavens, you walked with simplicity here on earth. May I walk in humility towards the pure and eternal happiness of your kingdom. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 65

Message from Padre Pio
Sweetly place your heart in the wounds of our Lord, but not with force. Have great confidence in his mercy, because he will never abandon you.

Reflection
Why should I worry again?

Scriptural Reading
John 14:18-20
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.

Prayer
I see your shaking hands, your Holy Face filled with much dirt and grime, your Holy Body bathed in blood and sweat. I see many others living today, looking exactly as you did. May I embrace them and place my heart in the wounds of their souls. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 64

Message from Padre Pio
Let us walk always, even with slow steps, as long as we have good intentions, we cannot but make progress.

Reflection
Am I discouraged with my slowness in my resolve to follow the way of the Lord?

Scriptural Reading
Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith.

Prayer
Thank you Holy Spirit, for assuring me that slow as I am, tiny steps mean more to you than quick steps forward followed by huge steps backward. I will get there; all my trust is in your promise. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 63

Message from Padre Pio
Beware of anxiety and restlessness because there is nothing that more greatly impedes progress towards perfection.

Reflection
Why should I worry?

Scriptural Reading
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer
Indeed you are total love! For how can love look more at the results rather than the efforts made to achieve them? So why should I worry more about what the hands have done rather than what the heart desires? Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 62

Message from Padre Pio
Don't be upset when you are unable to meditate, receive communion or carry out all the pious practices. In the meantime, try to make up... by keeping yourself united to our Lord with a loving will...

Reflection
Am I discouraged with little failures in my resolve to follow the way of the Lord?

Scriptural Reading
Philippians 3:12-14
It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of Christ [Jesus]. Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.

Prayer
O my sweet Lord, I may never be as good as you were here on earth, as obedient and as steadfast, but I promise you that I have consumed my whole heart for your love. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 61

Message from Padre Pio
No matter how severe this suffering is, when it is placed before the good that awaits us, it is always a delight for the soul.

Reflection
How do I share in the pains of my beloved Lord?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 26:73-75
A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly.

Prayer
My dear crucified Lord, in your agony and tears, in your beatings, in the wounds from scourges and thorns, in the mockery , in your fall, in your bruises and disfigurement, in the mutilation of your Holy Body, in the spilling of your most Precious Blood, may I be one with you. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 60

Message from Padre Pio
But why are you so anxious? Why are you so restless? ... Your fear and trembling is similar to that of a child in the arms of its mother. So your fear is useless and silly.

Reflection
Why am I afraid to feel the pains of our Lord?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 10:28-31
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Prayer
My dear crucified Lord, I have long lived in the comfort of my life, watching you suffer for me in great discomfort. May I now live in great discomfort in this life, that I may live in the comfort of your love. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 59

Message from Padre Pio
I have nothing to complain of in particular, except this rather bitter agitation of yours, which prevents you from tasting all the sweetness of the cross.

Reflection
Why do I relent in sharing in the pains of our Lord?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Prayer
My dear crucified Lord, I may not have driven any thorns or nails into your most holy Body, but I may not have done anything to relieve you of suffering by sharing in it. Today, may I die for you that I may live in you. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 58

Message from Padre Pio
Drive away, once and for all, every perplexity and anxiety, and enjoy in peace the most sweet pains of the Beloved.

Reflection
Why would I not now share in the pains of our Lord?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 10:16-17,19-20
Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues... When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Prayer
My dear crucified Lord, I may have driven so many thorns and nails into your most holy Body in the past. Today, may I die for you that I may live in you. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 57

Message from Padre Pio
Do not fear as regards your spirit... Jesus sees the disposition and good will of your soul, which is excellent, and he accepts and rewards this, and not your incapability and inability...

Reflection
Don't I see that for our Lord, it is the purity of the intention, not the popularity of the act, that matters?

Scriptural Reading
Psalm 51:12-13
A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit. Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit.

Prayer
Dearest Lord, when then should I fear? Cleanse my heart of every desire other than what is necessary for the fulfillment of your will. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 56

Message from Padre Pio
Be tranquil as far as your soul is concerned. Confide totally, more and more, in Jesus. Make an effort to unite yourself always and in everything to the divine will, both in happy and sad events, and don't worry about the future.

Reflection
Do I consult horoscopes or any similar art that seeks to predict the future? even if only for the fun of it? If I feel I can depend on these means for my happiness, then would it not be easy to forget depending on God?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 24:36
But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

Prayer
Lord, may your kingdom come. May your will be done to me as to others, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 55

Message from Padre Pio
Those souls who throw themselves in the whirlpool of worldly preoccupations are poor and unfortunate. The more they love the world... the more their desire are lit... and thus they are uneasy, impatient, affected by that shock that breaks their hearts...

Reflection
Why is it when I aim for material happiness, I become spiritually unhappy? Why is it when I become materially unhappy, I gain spiritual happiness?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 16:25
Abraham replied, "My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented."

Prayer
My dearest Lord Jesus, may my soul be in everlasting and loving preoccupation with you, your wisdom and love, your joys and sufferings, your death and resurrection. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 54

Message from Padre Pio
You are searching feverishly for the Supreme Good, but in truth, he is within you... You fear of having lost him, then is altogether futile, for he is quite near and clasps you to himself.

Reflection
Do I believe that God is within me? If not, is it not possible that I do not meditate enough on God's presence?

Scriptural Reading
John 6:55
For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.

Prayer
O Most Holy Trinity, who dwells in my soul by your grace, I adore you! Sanctify me and make me love you more and more. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 53

Message from Padre Pio
You must not behave violently unless you wish to risk gaining nothing.

Reflection
In my ardor to bring the message and teachings of Christ to others, have I at times been disrespectful?

Scriptural Reading
1 Timothy 2:1,3-4
First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone... that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, now I know that I cannot claim to love you if I cannot love and respect those who cannot and do not love you in return. It is truly difficult, but with your grace, love will prevail! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 52

Message from Padre Pio
Remember that I am the enemy of useless desires, no less than I am of dangerous and bad desires. Because even though one's desires are good, nevertheless the desire is always defective in our regard, especially when it is combined with excessive haste.

Reflection
Am I almost always in a hurry to finish my prayers? my service? my good deeds? so that I can go on with my "normal daily activities"?

Scriptural Reading
Mark 14:37-38
When he returned he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."

Prayer
Father God, now I know that there is no need to hurry. You are always here with me anyway! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 51

Message from Padre Pio
You are suffering, but do not fear, because God is with you and you don't offend him, but you love him. You are suffering, but believe also that Jesus is suffering within you, with you, and for you.

Reflection
How do I suffer? In despair of any relief or in anticipation of a promise?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 23:42-43
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you, who suffer with me, are truly my best Friend! For this, I shall never lose hope. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 50

Message from Padre Pio
Do everything with an upright intention; this uprightness must always be present in your actions, and whenever you valiantly and generously fight the evil tricks of the evil spirit.

Reflection
Do I compromise the teachings of our Lord to give in to the desires of others?

Scriptural Reading
2 Thessalonians 2:15-17
Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.

Prayer
My loving Lord, may I be persecuted and humiliated here on earth for your love, than allow myself to go astray and disobey you. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 49

Message from Padre Pio
...advance always, and even if you progress at a slow pace, you will still travel far.

Reflection
In my zeal to love and serve God, do I find myself hurrying too much?

Scriptural Reading
1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally brothers, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God–and as you are conducting yourselves–you do so even more.

Prayer
My dearest Savior, that is why I love you so much. You are so understanding even for the slowest, for the most difficult, for the most timid of the faithful. Even if I am so slow to learn, even if I had sometimes been late, even if I find myself lazy at times, I know you are still there for me, to listen to my questions, my grievances, my poor excuses; and to bless me afterwards as if I have never been a nuisance. I love you! Amen.

The Medal of Saint Benedict

Trivia: Did you know that the Saint Benedict Medal was a gift Padre Pio often gave as a present to his visitors?

The Medal or Cross of Saint Benedict

Medals, crosses, rosaries, statues, paintings, and other religious articles have long been used as a means of fostering and expressing our religious devotion to God and the saints. Icons, or painted images of Christ and the saints, are especially popular among Eastern Christians as an aid to Christian piety and devotion.

The use of any religious article is therefore intended as a means of reminding us of God and of stirring up in us a ready willingness and desire to serve God and our neighbor. With this understanding we reject any use of religious articles as if they were mere charms or had some magic power to bring us good luck or better health. Such is not the Christian attitude.

Origin of the Medal of Saint Benedict

For the early Christians, the cross was a favorite symbol and badge of their faith in Christ. From the writings of St. Gregory the Great (540-604), we know that St. Benedict had a deep faith in the Cross and worked miracles with the sign of the cross. This faith in, and special devotion to, the Cross was passed on to succeeding generations of Benedictines.

Devotion to the Cross of Christ also gave rise to the striking of medals that bore the image of St. Benedict holding a cross aloft in his right hand and his Rule for Monasteries in the other hand. Thus, the Cross has always been closely associated with the Medal of St. Benedict, which is often referred to as the Medal-Cross of St. Benedict.

In the course of time, other additions were made, such as the Latin petition on the margin of the medal, asking that by St. Benedict's presence we may be strengthened in the hour of death, as will be explained later.

We do not know just when the first medal of St. Benedict was struck. At some point in history a series of capital letters was placed around the large figure of the cross on the reverse side of the medal. For a long time the meaning of these letters was unknown, but in 1647 a manuscript dating back to 1415 was found at the Abbey of Metten in Bavaria, giving an explanation of the letters. They are the initial letters of a Latin prayer of exorcism against Satan, as will be explained below.

The medal struck in 1880 to mark the 1400th anniversary of the birth of St. Benedict.

The Jubilee Medal of Montecassino

The above features were finally incorporated in a newly designed medal struck in 1880 under the supervision of the monks of Montecassino, Italy, to mark the 1400th anniversary of the birth of St. Benedict. The design of this medal was produced at St. Martin's Archabbey, Beuron, Germany, at the request of the prior of Montecassino, Very Rev. Boniface Krug OSB (1838-1909). Prior Boniface was a native of Baltimore and originally a monk of St. Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, until he was chosen to become prior and latter archabbot of Montecassino.

Since that time, the Jubilee Medal of 1880 has proven to be more popular throughout the Christian world than any other medal ever struck to honor St. Benedict.

Description of the Jubilee Medal

Because the Jubilee Medal of 1880 has all the important features ever associated with the Medal of St. Benedict, the following description of this medal can serve to make clear the nature and intent of any medal of St. Benedict, no matter what shape or design it may legitimately have.

On the face of the medal is the image of Saint Benedict. In his right hand he holds the cross, the Christian's symbol of salvation. The cross reminds us of the zealous work of evangelizing and civilizing England and Europe carried out mainly by the Benedictine monks and nuns, especially for the sixth to the ninth/tenth centuries.

In St. Benedict's left hand is his Rule for Monasteries that could well be summed up in the words of the Prolog exhorting us to "walk in God's ways, with the Gospel as our guide."

On a pedestal to the right of St. Benedict is the poisoned cup, shattered when he made the sign of the cross over it. On a pedestal to the left is a raven about to carry away a loaf of poisoned bread that a jealous enemy had sent to St. Benedict.

Above the cup and the raven are the Latin words: Crux s. Patris Benedicti (The Cross of our holy father Benedict). On the margin of the medal, encircling the figure of Benedict, are the Latin words: Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur! (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death!). Benedictines have always regarded St. Benedict as a special patron of a happy death. He himself died in the chapel at Montecassino while standing with his arms raised up to heaven, supported by the brothers of the monastery, shortly after St. Benedict had received Holy Communion.

Below Benedict we read: ex SM Casino MDCCCLXXX (from holy Monte Cassino, 1880). This is the medal struck to commemorate the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Saint Benedict.

On the back of the medal, the cross is dominant. On the arms of the cross are the initial letters of a rhythmic Latin prayer: Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux! (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!).

In the angles of the cross, the letters C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The cross of our holy father Benedict).

Above the cross is the word pax (peace), that has been a Benedictine motto for centuries. Around the margin of the back of the medal, the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B are the initial letters, as mentioned above, of a Latin prayer of exorcism against Satan: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! (Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!)

Use of the Medal

There is no special way prescribed for carrying or wearing the Medal of St. Benedict. It can be worn on a chain around the neck, attached to one's rosary, kept in one's pocket or purse, or placed in one's car or home. The medal is often put into the foundations of houses and building, on the walls of barns and sheds, or in one's place of business.

The purpose of using the medal in any of the above ways is to call down God's blessing and protection upon us, wherever we are, and upon our homes and possessions, especially through the intercession of St. Benedict. By the conscious and devout use of the medal, it becomes, as it were, a constant silent prayer and reminder to us of our dignity as followers of Christ.

The medal is a prayer of exorcism against Satan, a prayer for strength in time of temptation, a prayer for peace among ourselves and among the nations of the world, a prayer that the Cross of Christ be our light and guide, a prayer of firm rejection of all that is evil, a prayer of petition that we may with Christian courage "walk in God's ways, with the Gospel as our guide," as St. Benedict urges us.

A profitable spiritual experience can be ours if we but take the time to study the array of inscriptions and representations found on the two sides of the medal. The lessons found there can be pondered over and over to bring true peace of mind and heart into our lives as we struggle to overcome the weaknesses of our human nature and realize that our human condition is not perfect, but that with the help of God and the intercession of the saints our condition can become better.

The Medal of St. Benedict can serve as a constant reminder of the need for us to take up our cross daily and "follow the true King, Christ our Lord," and thus learn "to share in his heavenly kingdom," as St. Benedict urges us in the Prolog of his Rule.

taken from http://www.osb.org/gen/medal.html

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 48

Message from Padre Pio
The desire to be in eternal peace is good and holy, but you must moderate this with complete resignation to the divine will. It is better to the divine will on earth, than to enjoy Paradise.

Reflection
Am I trying to be good simply for the love of you? Or am I trying to be good only for the reward you promised?

Scriptural Reading
Philippians 1:21
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.

Prayer
I love you, I love you, my Lord even had you not promised heaven, even had you not made me fear hell, even should you try me with want and misfortune. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 47

Message from Padre Pio
Patience is perfect when it is less mixed up with worries and disturbances.

Reflection
Do I find it difficult to be patient? Do I wait with the thought that nothing good may come out of it? Or do I wait with the hope in God's grace and mercy that anything or everything will change if it will be for the good of our souls?

Scriptural Reading
James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Prayer
My dearest Jesus, how is it that you can be so patient with all of us, when I am so impatient already with so few. I pray, my dear Lord, to make me more patient, kind, and forgiving. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 46

Message from Padre Pio
May your homes be full of sweetness, peace, agreement, humility, and piety as regards conversation.

Reflection
Is my home full of peace? Or are there hidden agendas? Is there enmity? Am I silent but vindictive? or willing to talk and willing to forgive?

Scriptural Reading
John 20:21-22
[Jesus] said to them again, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit..."

Prayer
Lord Jesus, may our homes be filled with the same love you taught us and with the same love you have for us on the cross, a love that satisfies not the pleasure of the one loving, but the happiness of the one loved. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 45

Message from Padre Pio
Mercy is useful in all situations and is adaptable to everything in accordance with the circumstances, except when it involves sin.

Reflection
Is being merciful a weakness of those who think themselves mighty? Or a strength of those who think God to be the one who alone is all-mighty?

Scriptural Reading
Matthew 18:32-35
His master summoned him and said to him, "You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?" Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.

Prayer
O my God, have mercy on me, a poor and wretched sinner! Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 44

Message from Padre Pio
I see that all the seasons of the year can be found in your soul. Sometimes you feel the winter of much sterility, distractions, restlessness, and boredom...

Reflection
Am I in the spring of enchantment, the summer of enlightenment, the autumn of disappointment, or the winter of discontent and dissent?

Scriptural Reading
Job 1:20b-21
He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, and said, "Naked I came forth from my mother's womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Prayer
My Divine Spouse, make me understand that my commitment to you may bring to me the darkest days of my life. Make me understand that when they do come, you shall become my only hope, only you shall remain in me. Be my Friend forever. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 43

Message from Padre Pio
I beseech you, for the love of God. Do not fear God, because he doesn't want to do you any harm at all. Love him a great deal because he wants to do you a great deal of good.

Reflection
Why should I fear Love?

Scriptural Reading
Deuteronomy 6:4-6
Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today.

Prayer
Father, why is it I fear you like one who is only compelled to obey? Why is it I fear you like one who, if given the opportunity, can be persuaded to disobey? I desire to fear you like one who loves and who is most anxious to please the One loved. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 42

Message from Padre Pio
Be totally resigned in the hands of our Lord, giving him your remaining years and begging him always to fill them with preparations for a life which is pleasing to him... present your hearts to your Divine Spouse, totally emptying it of all other affections, except his chaste love.

Reflection
Am I in control of my life and proud of it? Is God controlling my life and am I ashamed of it?

Scriptural Reading
Exodus 33:19
He answered, "I will make all my beauty pass before you, and in your presence I will pronounce my name, 'Lord'; I who show favors to whom I will, I who grant mercy to whom I will."

Prayer
Our Father in heaven, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 41

Message from Padre Pio
When you are unable to take big steps on the path that leads to God, be content with little steps, patiently waiting until you have the legs to run; or better still, wings to fly.

Reflection
Is it possible that my tepidity and dryness of soul is because I expected too much of myself? Isn't it possible that God loves me that much that I should simply allow him to do what is best for my spiritual development?

Scriptural Reading
Luke 8:15
But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.

Prayer
Father, my soul is yours. Only you know what is best for it. I totally surrender to your desires, and only then shall we become truly close to each other. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 40

Message from Padre Pio
It is a great grace to be able to serve this good God when youth renders one susceptible to everything.

Reflection
When will I serve the Lord?

Scriptural Reading
Revelation 12:11-12a
They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death.

Prayer
Dear Jesus, give me good discernment. I do not ask what you can do for me; I now ask what I can do for you. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 39

Message from Padre Pio
Let us do good while we still have time, and we will render glory to our heavenly Father, sanctify ourselves, and give good example to others.

Reflection
What is "charity" to me? Does this mean that I have to show others that I give to the poor? Or does this simply mean me loving everybody else, by being patient and kind, by not being envious, pretentious, or ambitious, by never hating, by being faithful, hopeful, and persevering?

Scriptural Reading
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, by your grace, teach me the way to true charity. Amen.

IN UNION WITH DIVINE LOVE Day 38

Message from Padre Pio
Love silence, because much talk is never without sin. Withdraw into yourself as much as you can, because in this way, the Lord speaks freely to the soul, and the soul is more able to listen to his voice.

Reflection
Am I surrounded by too much noise? At work, at home, in community worship, in service? Have I taken enough time to really listen?

Scriptural Reading
Mark 1:35
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went to a deserted place, where he prayed.

Prayer
Lord, may I retreat once in a while, from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and help me develop a fruitful interior life. I need to learn more, I need to listen more. Please, please help me. Amen.