St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

The Presentation: Blessed to Bless

Dear brothers and sisters,   

      This week (February 2nd) we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord. The King of the Universe enters His Temple; not as a powerful ruler but as a fragile newborn, carried by two poor parents offering two turtledoves — the sacrifice of those who could not afford a lamb. In a small church, two elderly men greeted people every Sunday at the doors. They moved slowly, often repeating stories. Some younger members wondered why they still served. But one day, a teenager said: “Whenever they smile at me, I feel like God hasn’t forgotten me.” Sometimes the smallest gestures carry the greatest grace.

     Simeon and Anna, two elderly servants of God, were unnoticed by the crowds — but they recognized God when He appeared in their arms. “Blessed are the clean of heart, they will see God”. They didn’t look powerful. They didn’t “achieve greatness.” They simply believed in God’s promise; waited, prayed, and recognized God.

     The Beatitudes show us the beautiful ways of seeing God and being blessed. There are several ways of being blessed. Discern your way to be blessed by God and present yourself and your children and grandchildren to God to be a light to their world. What does this mean for us today?

     Holiness is not perfection. Holiness is offering God your littleness every day. Married couples who keep loving through problems… Parents who wake up at 2 am for a sick child… Grandparents who pray the rosary for their families… Workers who stay honest while others cut corners… Teenagers who choose kindness over popularity… These are the people who live the Beatitudes– through their blessedness!

     God does not bless us because we have the best things… God blesses us because we bless others via our way of life. Let us be a blessing and be blessed.

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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