Franciscan Spirit Blog

Lent with Padre Pio: Fifth Tuesday

“I am an instrument in divine hands; an instrument which only succeeds in serving  some purpose when it is handled by the divine Craftsman.”
—Padre Pio


Have you ever closed your eyes when listening to an orchestra? It’s beautiful the way all of the instruments seem to meld into one and play in harmony with one another. If one instrument is out of tune or plays the wrong note, however, the overall experience is very different. To get to that level of achievement takes many years of instruction and practice.

Our faith lives can in some ways resemble being a musician. We need guidance and practice when it comes to our faith. God is the conductor and the many saints and holy people we encounter along the way serve as our instructors. The ultimate goal, as with the orchestra, is achieving harmony with Christ.


In Padre Pio’s Own Words

The fear that you have offended God is the surest proof that you have not offended him. Entrust yourself with boundless confidence to God’s goodness. The more the enemy increases his violent attacks against you, the more you should lean confidently on the breast of your very tender heavenly Bridegroom, who will never allow you to be defeated. God himself has solemnly proclaimed this in sacred Scripture:

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” [1 Corinthians 10:13].

To believe otherwise is disloyalty to God, who has kept us from falling in similar situations. Even St. Paul was restless and asked to be relieved of the difficult test in his flesh,…but was he not assured that the help of grace would always be sufficient for him? Our enemy, who is committed to our harm, wants to convince you otherwise, but spurn him in the name of Jesus and laugh at him. This is the best remedy for beating him into retreat. He becomes emboldened by our weakness, but when someone confronts him with a weapon in hand, he becomes a coward.

(To Raffaelina Cerase, April 25, 1914)


Prayer

St. Pio, through your example, accompany us as we continue
to learn ways to develop and deepen our faith lives.


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