Pope's Intentions:
Universal: That the Church and society may respect the wisdom and experience of older people.
For Evangelization: That priests, religious, and lay people may work together with generosity for evangelization.
Monday of the Sixth week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Saint [Padre] Pio de Pietrelcina (1887-1968), Capuchin
CE,57 ; Ep 3,400f.
"Why does this generation seek a sign? "
The greatest act of faith is that which rises to your lips in total darkness together with the sacrifices, sufferings and wholehearted efforts of a determined will to do good. This act of faith strikes through the darkness of your soul like lightening. In the midst of tempest it raises you up and leads you to God.
Living faith, unshakeable certainty, and an unwavering cleaving to the Lord's will: these are the light that illumines the steps of the People of God in the desert. It is this same light that shines at every moment in every soul pleasing to the Father. It is this light, too, that guided the Magi and caused them to worship the newborn Christ. It is the star that Balaam foretold (Nb 24,17), the torch guiding the steps of everyone who seeks God.
Even so, this light, star, torch are what enlighten your soul and direct your steps to keep you from stumbling. They are what strengthen your spirit in God's love. You don't see it, you don't understand it, but that isn't necessary. You will see only darkness, not, to be sure, that of the “sons of perdition”, but rather that which encompasses the everlasting Sun. Hold it as certain that this Sun is shining in your soul: about this the prophet of the Lord sang: “In your light we see light” (Ps 36[35],10).