The Apostles did not volunteer for their mission with human confidence. It was Jesus who sent them to witness to him, to reveal who he was, and to testify to God’s power. Before sending them out, Jesus gave them authority over demons and the power to heal diseases. It is the same Jesus who calls us and empowers us to preach his word, to heal, and to exercise authority over evil. Yet we often live powerless lives because our minds are clouded by the world we live in. We place more faith in the world and in ourselves than in God, our Creator. Padre Pio is a powerful example of total reliance on God alone. He lived a deeply fruitful life and served many through signs and wonders. He was known throughout his life for numerous supernatural phenomena, most notably the stigmata: wounds resembling those of Christ.As St. Pius of Pietrelcina said: “Pray, hope, and do not worry. Worry is useless. Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart.”

PRAYER: Abba Father, may we be empowered to proclaim the Good News through our lives. Amen.