St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

Purposeful Living

Dear brothers and sisters,   

      Last week we reflected on our Christian Identity. This week, we are invited back to the banks of the Jordan River, where John the Baptist recognizes Jesus and proclaims His identity with clarity and joy. John had spent his life preparing the way. Yet when the moment came, his mission became beautifully simple: to point to Jesus – “Behold the Lamb of God.” He doesn’t point to himself, justify his ministry, or highlight his sacrifices. He simply directs attention to the One who brings healing and redemption.

     We are called from our baptism; John was called from his mother’s womb “The Lord called me from birth… He made me a sharp-edged sword.” These words are not for prophets alone (ref.1st reading). Every baptized person carries a mission from God. Your purpose might unfold through daily kindness, steady love, service to family, work done with integrity, or the courage to speak hope where others see only darkness.

     A man once kept a small compass on the dashboard of his car. A friend asked why, since he had GPS. He said, “GPS tells me where to turn, but the compass reminds me where true north is.” John the Baptist was that compass. He kept pointing everyone to true north, Jesus. Our purpose, too, is not to be the destination but to help others notice which way leads to life in Christ.

     John models a humble, joyful mission. He does not need to be the center. His joy is that others may know Christ. He showed his disciples pointing out to them the Messiah. His disciples followed Jesus.

     When did you show Jesus to others and how? It's never late. Let’s show Jesus to others.

Blessings!

Msgr. Xavier Pappu
                     Insert:  Giving to God/Dar a Dios.pdf

                                    Please pray for vocations to the priesthood,
                              for the Priests of our Diocese; & for our Bishop.

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