Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

Brothers,

The readings today remind us of something very close to our own experience: rebuilding, belonging, and living as God’s family. And on this feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina — Padre Pio — we see how this message was lived out in him.

In Ezra, the people who had come back from exile wanted to rebuild the Temple. At first, their efforts were blocked by fear and politics. But then, almost unexpectedly, help came — King Darius found the old decree of Cyrus and gave them the support they needed. Even the money came from outside. And when the Temple was finished, the first thing the people did was celebrate the Passover — remembering God’s saving hand.

For us, that rebuilding points to Christ. He is the true Temple — the place where God lives with us. He was destroyed and raised again. The pattern we see in Ezra — remembering, rebuilding, rejoicing — is really the rhythm of our own Christian life.

The psalm today is full of joy: “I rejoiced when I heard them say, ‘Let us go to God’s house!’” Jerusalem stands for more than walls and stones. It is the sign of God’s people united, living in peace and justice. Every time we come to the Eucharist, we taste something of that new Jerusalem, where Christ is at the centre.

In the Gospel, Jesus is told His mother and family are outside. He replies: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the Word of God and do it.” He is not dismissing Mary — He is widening the family. Belonging to God is not about blood but about listening to His Word and living it.

Padre Pio lived that so simply and faithfully. He did not build monuments; he rebuilt hearts. Hour after hour in the confessional, he listened and offered mercy. In prayer and suffering, he kept pointing people to Jesus. Many came to him wounded or ashamed, and left knowing they belonged again in God’s family.

So the question for us is close to home: What in my life needs rebuilding? Perhaps a relationship, perhaps a habit, perhaps something in my heart that has grown a little cold. Am I listening for God’s voice there? And am I acting on it, not just hearing it?

We know, even here in our own land, what rebuilding looks like — in society, in the Church, in our own lives. And we know that true rebuilding happens only when we open our hearts to God’s Word, and open our doors to one another.

Through the intercession of Padre Pio, may we rebuild what is broken, rejoice in God’s presence, and live as one family in Christ.

Amen.