Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him. Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once. (Prv 3:27-34)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092324.cfm
Today we begin reading from the Wisdom literature. The Book of Proverbs is a collection mostly of sayings, some of which have been attributed to Solomon and others. The Book of Proverbs takes inspiration from this verse: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prv 9:10). Padre Pio (1887-1968) was an unwitting character in the exposé of the Mafia entitled, Mafia USA by Nicholas Gage (1972). I remember as a young monk having to publicly read this book during the evening meals at the monastery.
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, presbyter, September 23
