Today’s readings give us two emotional farewell moments. In the first reading, Paul gathers the elders of Ephesus, knowing suffering awaits him. Yet he says with remarkable peace: “I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord.”
In the Gospel, Jesus prays to the Father on the night before His Passion: “I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.” Both Paul and Jesus speak about one thing: finishing the work God entrusted to them.
The Importance of Prayer
Today, that message speaks powerfully to families. Families today face many pressures. Parents are busy and tired. Children are surrounded by distractions, screens, and constant noise. Many homes have everything materially, yet still struggle with peace, communication, and prayer. Sometimes we live in the same house but rarely truly connect with one another.
And slowly, prayer becomes optional. Not because we reject God, but because life becomes crowded. Yet Jesus reminds us today: “This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God.” Eternal life begins now — through a relationship with God. And like every relationship, it needs time and attention.
Notice something important: before Jesus faced suffering, He prayed. Prayer was not an extra part of His life; it was the source of His strength. Paul too lived guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Strong Families
The same is true for families. Strong families are not perfect families; they are praying families. When families pray together, they learn how to forgive, listen, support one another, and remain united during difficult times. Prayer creates space for God’s peace inside the home.
One of the greatest missions of parents today is not only to provide education or success for their children, but also to pass on faith. Children may forget many lessons, but they will remember whether their parents prayed, forgave, loved, and trusted God.
The greatest inheritance we can give our children is faith. At the end of life, Jesus did not say, “I was successful.” Paul did not say, “I lived comfortably.” They said, in different ways, “I finished the work.”
The Work of Families
For many families, that work may simply be:
- staying faithful in marriage,
- raising children with love and values,
- caring for aging parents,
- healing relationships,
- making time for prayer even when life is busy.
- Does God have a real place in our family life?
- Do we pray together, even briefly?
- Are we teaching our children how to know and trust God?
So today let us ask ourselves:
Because in the end, life is not measured by achievements or possessions, but by faithfulness.
And may each of us one day be able to say: “Lord, I finished the work You gave me to do.”
- Today’s Readings
- Father Pinto'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. Make time for a prayer break in your busy day.
.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")