St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

                   Service Vs Suffering

Dear brothers and sisters,   

     Suffering and service are inseparable in life, and very true to Christian life. Service means helping others with our sacrifices which includes our suffering.

      Many don’t want to serve except themselves or their idols of money and materialism, addictions, entertainment, etc. Still they suffer for it. However, Christians have the best model: Jesus’ life that revealed His sacrificial suffering or redemptive suffering for the purpose of our salvation.

     The disciples’ ambition was to have seats of honor in the Kingdom; but they didn’t know what it entails - the cup to drink as seen in His prayer in Gethsemane and servant- heart as in the Last Supper. True service requires sacrifice, and this often leads to personal suffering. In short, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. ... not looking to your own interests but … to the interests of the others." (Phil. 2:3-4)

     Our parents are the quiet servants with countless sufferings. They are doing the work no one would notice

or thank them for. They offer their life as a ‘living sacrifice.’ Think of all the missionaries, healthcare workers, and the purple hearts. This kind of service- suffering has eternal value. St. Paul endured countless sufferings for the sake of Christ. (2 Cor. 11:23-27)

     When our suffering/service has a purpose, it brings joy. Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and goodness; a soul generated by love; and willing to suffer. Only through service and sacrifice you become great.

     St. Augustine said, “God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering.” Whether in our family, church, or communities, serving others is an expression of love that requires a willingness to suffer in order to be honored.

  Blessings!

Msgr. Xavier                                        

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

                     Download our Parish Mobile App 

"MyParish"