Building Up God's Kingdom Together - Weekday Homily Video

Today, as we continue our Jubilee of Hope, we pray especially for all those experiencing disability, we pray for their families, and other caretakers.  

I thought of this special intention, as I reflected on the life of Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort. Saint Louis was born in France and lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He dedicated his life to the care of the poor and sick as a hospital chaplain and would later form the Missionary Priests of the Company of Mary and Daughters of Wisdom. 

God and Community

The main thread, the connection among today’s saint, all those who experience disability, and our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles is the role of Divine assistance and healing, as well as the support of a community. 

As we heard, after their release, Peter and John joined their community and shared with them the threats from the chief priests and elders.  

And, united in prayer, together, they turned to God and asked for the courage to proclaim His Word fearlessly. They asked God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the Name of Jesus.  

In response to their prayer, the place where they gathered was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, which enabled them to speak the Word of God with boldness. It was the Holy Spirit that gave them the courage to prioritize obedience to God over human authority.  

Bringing HOPE

Now, just up the street from us at the Father Peyton Center is a place called House of Possibilities. It’s a center for children and adults with developmental differences to spend a day or overnight out of their homes or residences and to engage in recreation and other activities both at the center and in the community. In addition, they offer pathways to employment, coaching, and college navigation. 

It would make Saint Louis de Montfort glad to know that the House of Possibilities is helping people and their families every day, and that at this Mass, we’re praying for them and those around the world who are in need, and that provide similar assistance either in their home or outside. 

The Christian Community

In doing so, we are emulating Peter and John and their Christian community by praying with and for those with disabilities or developmental differences, their families, and other caretakers to experience healing and find strength and guidance in caring for their loved ones.  

We can also model our lives on the early Church, which united in times of hardship and shared its resources. Today, though medicine and rehabilitation services have greatly advanced, children, men, women, and their families still have needs that mirror those of our ancestors. We still need someone to talk with, make a trip to the store, or stay with a family member while we go to an appointment. This is and through countless others way is how we support one another.  

Calling for Assistance

Finally, we can look to the Apostles' example of how they overcame fear in proclaiming what they had heard, seen, and personally experienced with Jesus.  

Whenever we or someone else are experiencing fear in our lives, we can call on the Holy Spirit to give us the courage to persevere, whether it is for ourselves or in service to others. Simply by praying: “Come, Holy Spirit” and then doing what needs to be done in word and in deed just like the our ancestors in the faith, unafraid, and with generous hearts. 

• Today’s Readings

• Father David'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.)