The first pope to be declared a saint in the 20th century was also the first pope elected in the 20th century, Pope St. Pius X. He came from peasant stock, which was unusual among papal candidates. He accomplished many things as pope: he lowered the age for first reception of Communion and Penance to the age of reason; began Catholic Action, an organization for the laity to be involved in service to the community; condemned the heresy of Modernism, which asserted that dogma could evolve over time; codified canon (Church) law; encouraged frequent reception of the sacraments; and led a holy life worthy of example.
What can we hope to follow from such a saint? Undoubtedly, his humility. He knew who he was and was respectful of his origins from poor peasant parents. That did not limit his abilities or his responsibilities to respond to the opportunities that God set before him. He led the People of God to live lives of greater holiness by the frequent reception of the sacraments. He changed the practice of receiving Communion from about the age of 13 or 14 to about seven so we could receive Jesus earlier and more often. Attendance at daily Mass became more common.
Humility is knowing who we are. We are children of God and the way we grow in our identity as children of God is by coming closer to God, especially in the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. So let us humbly follow the example of Pope St. Pius X by frequently going to Confession and receiving the Eucharist.
No comments:
Post a Comment