“Do not immerse yourself in your work and other activities to such a degree that you lose the divine presence.”
—letter to Raffaelina Cerase, December 17, 1914
Padre Pio was known for spending long periods of time in the confessional. It has been estimated that he heard two million confessions in his lifetime. That’s a number that’s hard to wrap one’s head around! He did not, however, allow this ministry to get in the way of his prayer life.
Perhaps we could all learn something from his example. We are often in danger of spending more time and energy on our work than on the rest of our lives. We must work to find some balance between the two. Put down your phone or walk away from your computer and take a look at all the blessings surrounding you.
In Padre Pio’s Own Words
In order to have a continuously devout life, you need nothing more than to establish a few excellent and noble principles solidly within yourself. The first principle I want you to understand is from St. Paul: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him” [Romans 8:28].
And truly, since God can, and knows how to, bring forth good even from evil, whom will he do this for if not for those who have given themselves completely to him?
Perhaps the very sins themselves, which God in his goodness and in his providence is preserving us from committing, are ordained to good for those who serve him. If holy King David had never sinned, he might not have acquired such profound humility. Magdalene would not have loved Jesus so profoundly if he had not forgiven her for many sins….
Meditate, dearest daughter, on this great operation of mercy: It converts our wretchedness into benefits.
(To Antonietta Vona, 1917)
Prayer
St. Pio, remind us to slow down
and focus on the many blessings that surround us every day.
Let us see them for the true gifts that they are.
