Christian Journey to Eternity - Weekday Homily Video

One of difficult topics to comprehend in our Christian life is eschatology and judgement. We keep 
waiting in hope but also waiting needs a lot of patience while performing the Christian practices. 
We find the first Christian community struggling with this is the situation. Jesus had just 
resurrected and ascended to heaven and now they are in the last phase, waiting again for Jesus. We, too, are in the same waiting. The writer of the first reading knowis the anxiety that may creep in among the Christian community and warns them but also gives life directives. He reminds them to be self-controlled and clear-minded for prayer.

The first readings indicate importance and foundation of Christian life which is prayer. This is our connection with God. It's the way that community would in a very special way reach out to the Father through Jesus Christ. 
Remember that Jesus had assured his disciples whatever they would ask God the Father in his
name they will receive. Due to anticipation of the victory of God, or Parousia, people had turned 
to disorderly behavior in church. Earlier in Ch 4: 3-4, some members of the community had 
turned back into lives of misconduct like drunkenness. This is the reason the writer wants each of 
the members of the Christian community to practice self-control, and this becomes possible 
through humble prayer.

It is only prayer that can prepare one to meet judgement without fear for 
one is already connected with God. It is a directive to us too and families to remain in prayer. 
Nowonder our founder, Ven. Patrick Peyton, knew and believed the family that prays together 
stays together...there is a lot of difference between the family that prays together and those who 
do not pray. They receive strength, courage, peace and unity that they obtain through the power of 
prayer while focusing on the Kingdom of God.

Love, Happiness, and Hospitality

When family or community is routed in humble prayer, the gift of love flourishes. This is the
reason; the first reading reminds us to stick in love with one another. The first community of 
Christian lacked order and so the writer urges them, this harmony can only be retained through 
love. This is unique love that in a way covers the multitude of sin. St Theresa of Child Jesus, said, 
“true charity consists in bearing all our neighbors' defects-not being surprised at their weakness, 
but edified at their smallest virtues.” This is love that rather than condemning encourages the small 
acts of Good. If a family encourages one another, appreciating those acts of love even when one 
has dwelled much in sin, indeed that person will find his way back to life of virtues. This kind of
love covers a multitude of sins of both personal and other people. It is love that unifies us into a 
charitable community. One body unified not because we are perfect, but because in prayer and 
compassion we have direction.

This is the love that sees true hospitality to each other in the community. The writer tells us 
hospitality offered without murmuring. Sometimes doing good can feel overwhelming, especially 
when not appreciated or noticed. The first readings remind us of such goodness tied on hospitality
not withholding any form of charity in our Christian journey. Once everything is understood as a 
gift from God then performing it becomes manifestation of God’s Glory. The first reading insists 
to us see our talents as graces then perform them with the same mind. They are to be inspirations
and sources of God blessing to others not an aspect of pride or jealousy. In our families we are 
gifted differently, the reason we are called to complement one another. We pray for grace of true 
love and service to one another as members of Christ body beginning from our families

• Today’s Readings
  
  
• Father Joachim’s inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center today. You can watch the entire Mass on the Family Rosary Video streams channel on YouTube.
  
  
• Join the Rosary (11:30 am ET) and Mass (Noon ET) livestreams on the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page, Monday – Friday. Invite your friends and family to pray with you as well.