St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

Our Family Vs Our Faith

Dear brothers and sisters,   

      I wish you and your family a blessed Feast of the Holy Family. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They were holy not because life was easy, but because God was at the center of every difficulty.

     Rooted in Faith: Mary said “yes” without knowing where God would lead her. Joseph obeyed God even when it changed his plans. Jesus grew in wisdom under their guidance. Their holiness began with trust. Every family - whatever its size, structure, or struggles - can be holy by placing God first. Holiness doesn’t require perfection, only openness. God works through our ordinary days: shared meals, moments of forgiveness, small kindnesses, and whispered prayers.

     Faced Trials Together: The Holy Family endured hardship - misunderstanding in Nazareth, the journey to Bethlehem, giving birth in poverty, fleeing to Egypt as refugees, and searching for Jesus in the Temple. They knew fear and exhaustion yet remained united. They teach us not to face burdens alone: invite God into the chaos, pray together, and carry for one another in times of weakness.

     Growing in Love: Their holiness grew in daily life— faithful work, meals shared, Scripture prayed, traditions celebrated, etc. Our homes become holy in similar ways: when parents bless their children, when spouses pray with/for each other, when forgiveness replaces resentment. Holiness is woven through everyday fidelity.

     The Holy Family assures us that God enters imperfect, real families. He strengthens, heals, and unites them. May every family rediscover the beauty of praying together, forgiving quickly, loving generously, and trusting God boldly. In doing so, we do not only honor the Holy Family - we grow to resemble the Holy Family.

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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