Today is July 8, Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time.
We read at today’s Mass, “At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36).
Today we come to the final Beatitude in our devotional journey with Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Pier Giorgio’s life gives a powerful witness to this truth. He was a fearless Catholic, unapologetically living out his faith in a secular and often hostile environment. He wasn’t content to keep his faith private. He brought it into the public square, into the causes he supported, into the protests he attended, and into the friendships he formed.
One striking story, told by his sister Luciana, comes from a public demonstration. There was a scuffle. Clothes were torn, a priest was knocked over and the flag representing their Catholic cause was flung to the ground. As the crowd panicked and someone was pressured to surrender the flag, Pier Giorgio stepped forward. He snatched the flag up, clutched it to his chest and refused to let go. It was a moment of bold, humble defiance. A symbol of the convictions he would never surrender.
Courage rooted in charity
Pier Giorgio wasn’t reckless. He wasn’t aggressive. But he was unafraid. Even when offered personal protection or a way out — thanks to his father’s political connections — he refused to abandon his friends or distance himself from their cause. He stood firm. Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
That’s the lesson for us today. In a world where living the Gospel can often feel lonely or costly, we need courage like Pier Giorgio’s. Courage that is rooted in charity. Boldness that’s balanced by meekness. And conviction that clings to what is right, even when it’s unpopular.
So as we wrap up our reflection on the Beatitudes, let us carry this final word deep into our hearts: Stand firm. Remain faithful. Suffer well. For the kingdom of heaven is already yours.
Let us pray,
O God, who in the abasement of your Son have raised up a fallen world, fill your faithful with holy joy, for on those you have rescued from slavery to sin you bestow eternal gladness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
