We all understand the profound ache of a parent’s heart when a child strays from faith. Today, Scripture meets us in that painful wilderness where the Israelites, just freed from slavery, quickly doubted God's care (Exodus 16). Their story mirrors our own: When prayers seem unanswered, when Mass pews empty, when our children exchange truth for the world’s fleeting promises—how do we keep believing?
Saint Bridget: A Saint Who Shares Our Struggle
Consider Saint Bridget of Sweden, a remarkable woman who walked a path many of us recognize. She was a noblewoman, wife, mother of eight, widow, and mystic. While one of her daughters, Catherine, became a saint, others drifted from the faith. Bridget's life offers us three vital lessons:
· Holiness is measured by our faithfulness, not our children's choices. Our steadfastness is what truly matters in God's eyes.
- A mother's persistent love images God's relentless mercy. Just as God never gives up on us, our unwavering love can draw our children back.
- Some seeds take generations to bloom. As Jesus' parable of the sower reminds us (Matthew 13:1-9), not all seeds sprout immediately. Our prayers and efforts may bear fruit in ways we cannot yet see.
Manna in Our Wilderness
The Israelites, newly freed from bondage, immediately grumbled for bread. How often are we like them, focusing on what we lack rather than what God provides? Yet, God provided manna—not when they demanded it, but precisely when they needed it. Parents and grandparents, your prayers are that manna:
- Invisible now, but sustaining souls in ways beyond our sight. Your heartfelt pleas are working in ways you can't perceive.
- Your tears soften the hardest soil. As the Catechism reminds us, God's grace is at work even in our suffering (CCC 546).
- God's clock keeps perfect time. Remember Saint Monica, who prayed for thirty three years for her son Augustine’s conversion. Her persistence ultimately led to one of history's greatest saints.
The Divine Gardener Knows Each Seed
Jesus' parable of the Sower offers immense comfort: even the perfect Sower encountered seeds that failed to thrive. If your "seeds"—your children or loved ones—seem dormant, remember these truths:
- This is not your failure. You planted with love; the outcome is not solely yours to bear.
- Keep watering with quiet witness. Your consistent example and gentle prayers are powerful.
- Trust the Gardener who makes all things beautiful in time. God is constantly at work, bringing forth life and beauty in His perfect timing (CCC 1724).
A Light in the Darkness
Consider the mother who prayed for twenty years for her son lost in New Age spirituality. On her deathbed, her final whisper was, "Jesus, bring him home." Two months later, he collapsed in the confessional, recounting, "I felt her pushing me back to God."
Or imagine this: A phone rings. Years of prayers—"Lord, bring him home"—hanging in the air. Then, the voice she loves says, "Mom, which Mass are you going to? I want to come with you." Decades of worry dissolve in that sacred moment. The pew that once ached with emptiness now waits with hope.
This is how Heaven rejoices—not when the battle ends, but when love refuses to let go.
Three Truths to Hold Onto:
- Your faithful love matters more than any rebellion.
- God writes straight with our crooked lines. He can bring good out of any situation.
- Even holy families had prodigals. Think of King David, St. Monica, or even Saint Bridget's own family.
Saint Bridget, pray for us!
May we, like her, become:
Steadfast in prayer
Fearless in hope
Radiant in trust
For the God who fed His people in the wilderness still provides. The Father who waited for the prodigal still watches the road. And no prayer offered in love is ever wasted. Amen.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")