It is 23rd September 2015. We celebrate the memorial of St. Pius of Pietrelcina lovingly known as Padre Pio. He was known for his miraculous abilities as spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor with tremendous humility. He had an enormous devotion to the Holy Eucharist. The readings are from Ezr.9:5-9 and the Gospel from Lk.9:1-6. The first reading is the prayer of Ezra reminding people of God that God had been their safety and shelter. It is a prayer of penance and confession. He wanted the people of God to give precedence to the law of God over as they give the law of a king. He is not only complaining about Israel, but he honours God for all that God had been to the people. “God has shown us kindness.” The responsorial Verse prays, “Blessed be God who lives forever.” (Tob.13:1). The Gospel presents us with the missionary discourse. Jesus trains the apostles to be the missionaries of the Good News and healing. Every vocation from God has a mission with purpose. The vocation we have received from God must make us to come near Jesus day by day. Faith and charity needs a balance in our mission endeavours. Jesus invites all of us to be simple, poor, time conscious, seeking less comfort, and content in the missionary activities. “Take nothing for the journey; neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and let none of you take a spare tunic.” (Lk.9:3). Jesus gives us power and authority to preach the kingdom and to heal. What and who stops us not to be the missionary for the Lord? May the Lord give us the courage to be a missionary for Christ and His kingdom. May you have good day.