Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
September 23, 2026
On the memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina — Padre Pio, the Capuchin friar who bore the wounds of Christ — the readings commend trust, simplicity, and dependence on God. In the first reading (Proverbs 30:5-9), Agur declares that “every word of God is tested; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him,” and prays for enough: “give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need.” Psalm 119 rejoices, “Your word, O LORD, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens.” In the Gospel (Luke 9:1-6), Jesus sends out the Twelve to heal and proclaim the kingdom, telling them to “take nothing for the journey” and to “shake the dust” from their feet where they are not welcomed.
First Reading
Every word of God is tested ; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Add nothing to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be exposed as a deceiver. Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; (provide me only with the food I need;) Lest, being full, I deny you, saying, "Who is the LORD?" Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God.
Responsorial Psalm
Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Your word, O LORD, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens. From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words. Through your precepts I gain discernment; therefore I hate every false way. Falsehood I hate and abhor; your law I love.
Gospel
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them." Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
Readings provided by Evangelizo. Scripture texts used with permission.
Metanoia
A quiet daily companion that takes today's Mass readings and reflects them back through what you're actually living.