Daily Reflection Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope

Our Scripture readings today invite us to a clearer understanding of our way of love. We spend time deepening our relationship with God who has loved us unconditionally since the moment of our conception. Now we are asked to view that love through the lens of understanding and mercy.  But what is mercy? It is going above and beyond by trying to understand other people—their backgrounds, their lifestyles, their sins, their gifts—and then responding.

    In our first reading, Ezekiel warns us against shepherds living in their comfort zones. We also live in our own zones by being arrogant and following the crowd by excluding those who are different. We are all susceptible to this mindset, but it is not God’s mindset.

    We know how often Jesus tries to communicate his message through parables. They are not just entertaining stories. In today’s episode about the workers in the vineyard, we may question the owner’s seeming unfairness to some laborers. In light of today’s culture of unions, his decision is definitely unfair!  However, the owner knows the backgrounds of the people who ask for employment. He knows that those who come at five in the afternoon are elderly or sickly. They have not the stamina to do a full day’s work. Yet, they also must provide for their families. The amount the owner pays everyone is sufficient for the day’s needs. Is the owner’s decision one of justice or one of mercy? 

    Today we are also celebrating the feast of St. Pius X. During his term as pope, he realized the life- giving importance Jesus in the Eucharist is to each one of us—certainly a gift of mercy! Consequently, not only did he make Eucharist available to us on a daily basis, he also allowed children from the age of reason to receive. Eucharist is thanksgiving and love. Love leads to mercy, to understanding and respecting each other physically, mentally, nationally, and spiritually.

Listen to Eucharist by Paul Gurr