St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

34. Salvation in Fellowship or Familiarity?

Dear brothers and sisters,   

      There’s a great difference between being in fellowship and being familiar with God. One transforms; the other make us take Him for granted. God is a fellowship within himself - three equal and distinct persons, Father, Son and Spirit. He invites and includes us in this fellowship.

     Fellowship involves sharing in the grace of God, as well as a mutual commitment to spiritual growth and service. It involves meaningfully communing with God and connecting with others in a way that signifies a deeper and more intentional relationship built on shared beliefs, and mutual support. St. John says, “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ” (1 Jn.1:3). In the spiritual life, fellowship is cultivated in prayer, the sacraments daily - a spiritual discipline - entering through narrow door.

     Familiarity, however, can be dangerous when it slips into complacency. It is knowing about God, using His name often, even doing religious things, but without the depth of obedience and awe. Jesus warns us, “Lord, Lord open the door for us… we ate and drank in His company! The Lord says, “I don’t know you.”” (Mt 7:21 –23 & Lk13: 22-30).We think “God knows us” just because we’ve been around His house and received all the sacraments, while our hearts may be far from Him. These enter through a wide and popular door.

     Think of the people of Nazareth. They knew Jesus as “the carpenter’s son.” They were familiar with Him, but didn’t have true fellowship because they lacked faith (Mark 6:1–6). Familiarity blinded them to His glory.

     Just two things to keep in mind: Live the grace of the sacraments fully - it’s fellowship with God, that would lead to fellowship with others. So that our fellowship with God never becomes a ritual or routine but real and meaningful.

Prayers and Blessings!

Msgr. Xavier Pappu
                                               Bishop Kelly's Pastoral Letter 
                                              Carta Pastoral - Pentecostes -Espanol

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