Episode 3056: Labor Not for the Meat that Perisheth - Morning Episode

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Speak Lord for your Servant is Listening
Book Recommendation of the Day
One of the most significant and enduring works issued by Pope St. Pius V is the apostolic constitution Quo Primum Tempore (1570).
Quo Primum Tempore – July 14, 1570
Purpose:
This document accompanied the promulgation of the Roman Missal following the Council of Trent. It mandated the universal use of the Traditional Latin Mass (also known today as the Tridentine Mass) throughout the Latin Church, codifying and standardizing the liturgy to ensure unity and orthodoxy in worship.
Key Features:
• It declared that the Roman Missal was to be used in perpetuity and could not be altered.
• It granted perpetual permission for priests to use the Missal without fear of censure, penalty, or the need for further permission.
• It codified the liturgical form that would be used for nearly 400 years, until the changes following Vatican II.
Famous Excerpt:
“We grant and concede in perpetuity that, for the chanting or reading of the Mass in any church whatsoever, this Missal is hereafter to be followed absolutely, without any scruple of conscience or fear of incurring any penalty, judgment, or censure…”
Labor Not for the Meat that Perisheth
Today, May 5, the Traditional Roman Calendar commemorates St. Pius V, a Dominican pope who led the Church during a time of spiritual war. He defended the faith, reformed the liturgy, promoted the Rosary, and preserved the unity of doctrine amidst a storm of heresies.
Providentially, the scripture readings today call us to boldness in witness and to seek the true Bread of Life a theme deeply embodied in the pontificate of St. Pius V.
Let us now turn to today’s readings with a spirit of docility and courage.

Epistle: Acts 6:8–15
"Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people."
Reflection on the Epistle:
Today we hear the beginning of the passion of St. Stephen, the first martyr of the Church. He is described as a man “full of grace and fortitude” two qualities that rarely coexist today, but are essential to sanctity.
Stephen preached the truth of Christ with boldness, and what was the world’s response?
• They stirred up false accusations.
• They brought him before the council.
• They twisted his words, just as they did to Christ.
And yet, even as his earthly trial began, his face shone like an angel’s the mark of one who speaks not from pride, but from divine charity.
This reading finds new life in the figure of St. Pius V, who endured scorn and political pressure for upholding the truths of the faith. Whether facing Protestant rebels, worldly monarchs, or corrupt clergy, he stood as a spiritual Stephen undaunted, radiant with truth, willing to suffer if need be for the good of souls.
St. Catherine of Siena, a contemporary, once said:
“Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.”
Pius V was that man. So was Stephen. So must we be.
Gospel: John 6:22–29
"Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto life everlasting."
Reflection on the Gospel:
Our Lord speaks to the crowds who had just witnessed the multiplication of the loaves. They seek Him out again, not for His doctrine, but for more signs, more bread.
He rebukes them lovingly:
"You seek Me, not because you have seen miracles, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled."
And then He turns their gaze heavenward:
"Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto life everlasting..."
In other words, do not seek God merely for worldly gain seek Him because He is the source of eternal life.
This is the heart of true religion: not comfort, not health, not political relevance but union with the living God.
St. Pius V lived this Gospel.
• He reformed the Church not to gain applause, but to restore her to the image of her Spouse.
• He promoted the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass not as a ceremony, but as the offering of the Bread of Life.
• He urged Catholics to pray the Rosary not for temporal victory alone, but for the salvation of their souls.
The modern Church often runs the risk of preaching social welfare, peace-building, and vague spirituality instead of eternal truths. But Christ says clearly:
“This is the work of God: that you believe in Him whom He hath sent.”
Belief in Christ crucified, risen, and truly present in the Eucharist is our life.

Saint of the Day:m St. Pius V (Pope & Confessor)
Born in 1504, Antonio Ghislieri entered the Dominican Order and rose through the ranks due to his integrity, learning, and asceticism. He was elected pope in 1566 and immediately set to work enforcing the decrees of the Council of Trent.
Highlights of his papacy:
• Issued the Roman Missal of 1570, preserving the Latin Mass for centuries
• Established the Feast of Our Lady of Victory following the Battle of Lepanto in 1571
• Defended Catholic doctrine amidst the rise of Protestantism
• Reaffirmed the Real Presence and the absolute necessity of grace for salvation
His motto could have been the words of today’s Gospel:
“Labor not for the meat that perisheth.” He labored only for that which endures truth, sanctity, and the glory of Christ.

Three Quotes for Meditation
Our Lord (John 6:27):
“Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto life everlasting.”
St. Stephen (Acts 7:56, later in this same narrative):
“Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”
St. Pius V:
“The Pope should die rather than yield a tittle of the Catholic Faith.”
Conclusionary Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest and Bread of Life, grant us the courage of Stephen, the clarity of truth, and the zeal of Thy faithful servant Pius V. May we labor not for passing things, but for the kingdom which shall have no end.
Strengthen us to defend the faith with charity, to suffer injustice with patience, and to desire Thee above all created goods.
O Mary, Queen of the Rosary and Help of Christians, pray for us.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.