April 30, 2026
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter / Pope Saint Pius V
Gospel: John 13:16–20

Today is Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter. The Church celebrates an Optional Memorial of Pope Saint Pius V.

Pope Saint Pius V, born Antonio Ghisleri in 1504 in Bosco, within the Duchy of Milan, was elected Supreme Pontiff on January 7, 1566. He is renowned for his implementation of the reforms of the Council of Trent, his leadership during the Counter-Reformation, and his restoration of order within the Church. During his pontificate, he proclaimed St. Thomas Aquinas a Doctor of the Church. Weighed down by labours, Pius V fell asleep in the Lord on May 1, 1572, at the age of sixty-eight. He was beatified by Pope Clement X in 1672 and canonized by Pope Clement XI in 1712.

Today’s Gospel passage from Saint John describes words spoken by Jesus to His disciples during the Last Supper. At the beginning of the passage, Saint John sets the scene for this discourse, stating that after Jesus had washed His disciples’ feet, He said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand these things and put them into practice, blessed are you. I am not speaking about all of you; I know those whom I have chosen.” (cf. Jn 13:16–17).

This depiction contrasts sharply with the common image we hold of Jesus—the One who preached the Word in the Temple, bore witness to the truth in the streets, cast out demons, healed the sick, and raised the dead. Yet here, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. He does this to transform the erroneous image of God that the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, elders, and chief priests had instilled in their hearts and minds. Their understanding presented God as a severe judge who harshly punishes all who fail to conform to His will—a strict and domineering deity. Jesus seeks to reveal to them that the true God is a God who is always loving; He is not a tyrant who merely demands homage or sacrifices from creatures, but a Father who bestows infinite grace upon humanity and draws near to His people.

Today, united with Pope Saint Pius V and regenerated through Baptism and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we are called to be configured to our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must view our relationship with the Divine Word through a supernatural lens and, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, properly order our relationships with the People of God within the Church. Thus, our life in Christ will reach its fullness, and our conduct will become ever more conformed to Him.

O God, who restore human nature
to yet greater dignity than at its beginnings,
look upon the amazing mystery of your loving kindness,
and in those you have chosen to make new
through the wonder of rebirth
may you preserve the gifts
of your enduring grace and blessing.
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

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica