Have you ever had a day, or maybe a week, where you work so hard, you run from one thing to the next, and at the end of it all, you still feel… empty? Unfulfilled?
If you have, then the Word of God today is speaking directly to you. Through the prophet Haggai, God says to His people, “You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied.” They were busy building their own homes, managing their lives, but they were deeply restless. Why? Because they had neglected the one thing that gives meaning to everything else: their relationship with God.
Restless Hearts
Then we meet a man in the Gospel who has everything the world can offer. Herod has power, wealth, and status. Yet, when he hears about Jesus, he is not at peace. The Gospel says he is “greatly perplexed,” anxious, and haunted by his past. Herod is the very picture of a restless heart.
These two readings reveal a profound truth: a life not centered on God, no matter how successful or busy, will always be a restless one.
Into this reality, God doesn't offer a condemnation, but a gentle and loving invitation: “Consider your ways… and build my house.” This isn’t about bricks and mortar. It’s about building a space for Him in our lives.
Creating Space for God
When a parent says a prayer over a sleeping child, they are building God’s house. When a student offers their studies to God, they are building His house. When we choose to forgive, to show a small kindness, or to simply say "thank you" at the end of a long day, we are bringing the timber to build His home in our hearts.
God makes a beautiful promise: if you do this, “I will take pleasure in it and be glorified.” Our small, faithful acts bring immense joy to the heart of God, and they bring deep, lasting peace to our own. This is the peace that Herod, with all his power, could never find.
So today, let’s accept the invitation. Let’s take one small step to put God back at the center, trusting that our restless hearts will, as Saint Augustine said, finally find their rest in Him.
- 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.")