August 21, 2012 
Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope
Saint of the day
Saint Pius X (1835-1914)
Saint Pius X is one of the 20th century's greatest popes. He had grown up in a poor family, and he was often embarrassed by the showiness and excess of the papal court. He often saw this insistence on grandeur as a penance, because he wanted to live simply. Pius was very involved in politics, and encouraged Catholics to do the same. One of his greatest political acts was to end the government's right to influence papal elections by exercising veto power. He was very concerned about the poor treatment of native plantation workers in Peru. When World War I broke out, as Pope Pius had foreseen, he said, "This is the last affliction the Lord will visit me with. I would gladly give my life to save my poor children from this ghastly scourge." He died shortly afterward, and was canonized in 1954.
Reflection
Saint Pius X was very active in the problems of his time. He felt great compassion for those around him, and his love of God inspired him to both act to help others and to encourage other Christians to attempt to tackle the problems of the time. Although he recognized the preeminent importance of first developing one's relationship with God through solitude and prayer, St. Pius X encouraged Christians to proactively participate in the struggles of their fellow human beings. In what struggles do you participate? What problems could you more strongly help to remedy?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, please show me how I can more readily and beneficially help to fix the serious problems in my community. Help me to show your love and compassion to everyone with whom I work and speak.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 420
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: White
Daily readings
Reading 1: Ezekiel 28:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab
Gospel: Matthew 19:23-30
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
The city of Jerusalem is a walled city. One gate is very small; camels cannot fit through it. It is only big enough for people to walk through. This gate was called the "eye of the needle." In this passage Jesus is probably referring to that gate, rather than the eye of a sewing needle. The point is that it is hard for people who totally focus on wealth to get to heaven. If all you focus on is getting richer and richer, you probably are not focusing on building God's Kingdom. You will not be using your talents to love God, work for justice, or help your neighbor. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
