Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17; Psalm 127; Matthew 23:1-12
Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law battles are common marital issues. Today’s first reading presents us with special examples. Ruth was rewarded for her kindness to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Let us imitate their examples. In the gospel reading Jesus had to condemn the Scribes and Pharisees for not practicing what they were preaching. Beloved, if we do not practice what we preach; then we are not in any way different from the Scribes and Pharisees. Pope Pius X whose memorial we celebrate today contributed imensely to the life of the Church. He issued decrees making the age of First Holy Communion earlier (at the age of 7) and advocated frequent and even daily reception of the Eucharist. He promoted the reading of the Bible among laypeople, reformed the liturgy, promoted clear and simple homilies, and brought back Gregorian chant. He revised the Breviary, reorganized the curia, and initiated the codification of canon law. If we do not practice what we preach we have no contribution to the faith.
LET US PRAY
O God, who to safeguard the Catholic faith and to restore all things in Christ, filled Pope Saint Pius the Tenth with heavenly wisdom and apostolic fortitude, graciously grant that, following his teaching and example, we may gain an eternal prize. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
