Sunday Reflection – 23 September – Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Padre Pio (1887-1968)
“It is easier for the earth to be without the sun than without the Mass.”
From a letter to Annita Rodote on 25 July 1915 on how to attend Mass:
“The Divine Master calls the church the house of prayer. In order to avoid irreverence and imperfections I exhort you in the Lord to:
Enter the church in silence and with great respect. Take the holy water and make the sign of the cross carefully and slowly.
Before God in the Blessed Sacrament genuflect devoutly. At your pace, kneel down and render to Jesus the tribute of you presence.
Confide to Him all your needs and those of others. Speak to Him with filial abandonment. Be very composed when standing up, kneeling down and sitting.
Carry out every religious act with the greatest devotion. Be modest in your glance. Don’t turn you head here and there to see who enters and leaves.
Don’t laugh. Don’t speak to anybody, except when requested for charity or other strict necessity.
Say the words distinctly, observe the pauses and never hurry. Behave in such a way that all those present are edified by you.
Don’t leave without asking Jesus for His blessing and forgiveness for your shortcomings. Leave the church recollected and calm.”
AnaStpaul 