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.