There are times that every public speaker finishes what he has to say, and then a few minutes (or even more) later, he remembers something he wished he had said in his speech, his talk, or (in the instance of priests or deacons), his homily.  Such was the case this last weekend for me.  While stressing in the homily given Saturday evening and the 10:00 a.m. Mass, the importance of putting our trust in God and not in material possessions (and certainly not in accumulating possessions) and in continually giving "Praise" to the Lord, I read on Tuesday, a quote from St. Padre Pio from the daily reflections book (which is always available to read in our Eucharistic Adoration Chapel) which seems to add and/or confirm the two points I made in my homily.  I pray you, too, will reflect on these words from St. Padre Pio and strive to act on them in your ongoing journey.

Do not distrust Divine Providence.  Trust in God and abandon yourself to him; let him take care of you completely, and be calm so that you do not become confused.  I understand and perceive how hard the trial is, how bitter the battle is. However, I also know that the fruit you will gather in time is very abundant.  The crown being woven for you up above is far superior to any human concept of it.

. . . What I want from you is that as trials increase, your abandonment to God and trust in him may also increase.  Always deepen your humility and your praises of the Lord who deigns in his goodness to visit you to prepare you to be part of the construction of the heavenly Zion.

Padre Pio's Spiritual Direction for Every Day, July 14