The stigmatist Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Padre Pio, was one of the most beloved modern saints. Reports of his holiness, love for God and neighbor, and the incredible miracles that the Lord worked through him were numerous. Many flocked from different parts of the world to see the monk who, for the most part, was secluded in the little room at Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary in San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.
Delicate Francesco (Pio’s given name) could barely hold a barrel or display the physical toughness required by the military when the Italian army drafted him during the Second World War. He was discharged from duty after about 182 days due to his precarious health. However, he became a fearless spiritual warrior against evil and the demonic world and a channel of healing grace to many.
Moreover, when he was alive, he suffered greatly from some of his closest religious brothers and neighbors in Italy. His life was a proof of Jesus’s words: “A prophet is without honor in his own town” (Mk 6:4).
From canonized saints to many living witnesses of Christ you see around your neighborhood and in churches worldwide, there is hardly an easy pass regarding their immediate environment. Despite the challenges, the faithful show remarkable resilience, bearing witness to God even when it means swimming against the current. Their determination is truly inspiring, especially when they face opposition from those closer to home.
Challenges and Opportunities
I wondered why, when Prophet Ezekiel was commissioned to preach, God warned that he would face rejection and that the mission wouldn’t be easy (see Ezekiel 2:2-5). Yet, the prophet must say: “Thus says the Lord” (Ez 2:4). Whether the people listen is not the measure of the prophet’s success. The prophet’s responsibility is to say what God says, pleasant or unpleasant. In doing so, no matter what, the prophet’s credibility is known. This message is striking to me.
In life, one may encounter various levels of challenging situations. These challenges, which I see as opportunities, are not just tests of our faith. They are also catalysts for our personal growth. Some of the opportunities come from the field and the people we meet. We may encounter indifferent, unloving, and unwelcoming situations that make us question: Why bother?
A supervisor’s heart was broken when she received a box of heinous petitions leveled against her by some team members. According to her, many of those accusations were blatantly false. Some came from those she thought were her closest allies. They didn’t want her, though they pretended they did. Hence, they made things difficult for her.
But these challenges, when faced with faith and grace, can transform us and our relationships. When faced with a difficult colleague as the case of the supervisor above, we can choose to respond with patience, grace, and understanding, thereby transforming the relationship and our own character.
Thorn in the Flesh
Sometimes, you may notice that the most significant hurdles in doing the right thing come from that child, sibling, friend, or colleague for whom you have sacrificed so much. As you bear more witnesses of love, they become more manipulative. The day you refuse to be manipulated, all the good you have done for them appears to be forgotten. Gone by the wind. You become the villain.
You thought that by living a saintly example, you would receive praise. Do you not remember that people often name saints after they die? At various times, many of their contemporaries regard saints as villains.
Moreover, discouragement could come from ourselves as well. As Saint Paul shares about his life, he carries a humbling reminder in his body. This “thorn in the flesh” is a metaphor for a persistent and painful challenge that one must endure. It is a tormenting situation that hits home, closest to your emotions. “A thorn in the flesh,” he says, “to beat me, to keep me from being elated” (2 Cor 12:7). For Paul, it was a tormenting experience, one that could discourage anyone.
What is your thorn in the flesh? Declining health? Addiction? Hurting memories? A humbling child or sibling? Rejection from peers and colleagues? Feeling like an outsider in your community, town, or country? Broken and unhealed relationships? Betrayal and general frustrations because of things outside of your control? Do these keep you humble and sometimes make you want to quit being a witness to the love, grace, and mercy of God? Are these making you reconsider being that light in your community?
The Thorn of Rejection and Jealousy
Other elements of the challenge could come from relationships. The Gospel of Mark 6:1-6 tells us how the people in Jesus’ town didn’t welcome him. They knew him–a mere son of a carpenter without an elitist background. Underneath is jealousy. This story serves as a reminder that even Jesus faced rejection and jealousy, and yet he continued to reveal love and grace.
Sometimes, you may feel discouraged from shining your light because of sibling and sibling-like jealousy. Jealousy is everywhere. There is no shield from it, whether you’re poor or wealthy. Even if you were to be an Ivy League school graduate or the child of the Queen of England, many would still put you down. Keep an eye on why you are here. Go about your daily work being Christ to others anyway.
God’s Grace is Sufficient
Allowing our challenges to dampen the spirit of bearing witness isn’t the answer. Remember, God’s grace is always sufficient for us, even when facing our most significant challenges. His power is made perfect in our weakness. Take comfort in this assurance, and let it strengthen your resolve to continue bearing witness to divine love and grace.
Accepted or rejected, praised or denounced, welcomed or shut out, keep the smile of grace coming. Keep shining the light. Keep the spirit of the Lord alive. Be one more instance of grace for your neighborhood.
Personalizing Saint Paul’s encouraging line, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10)
I am praying for you for the grace of courage, strengthening, and endurance. Amen.
