Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, I invite you to reflect with me on a message of courage, faith, and mission—one that speaks directly to the heart of every family. Scripture reminds us that those who trust in the Lord and keep His commandments will find strength for every journey. That promise is as true for families today as it was for the disciples Christ sent out two by two, carrying nothing but faith.
God Walks with Us
Before coming here, I served in ministry in Northern Uganda, a region recovering from a painful twenty‑five‑year war. The effects of that conflict are still visible in daily life: broken roads, limited access to schools and hospitals, and families rebuilding their lives with hope. During rainy seasons, the roads became nearly impassable—slippery, muddy, and unpredictable.
Many Sundays, while traveling for ministry, I got stuck several times. I remember one particular day when the vehicle sank into the mud four times, and the front guard of the car was torn off. Some chapels are located near the national park, and each trip brought the fear of encountering wild animals. My constant prayer was not to meet an elephant on the way.
Yet despite the challenges, there was always one truth that gave strength: God never sends us alone. He calls, He equips, and He walks with us. Whether the journey was smooth or rough, whether fear or uncertainty filled the air, God’s purpose carried us forward. It was not the strength of the vehicle or the condition of the road that sustained us— it was the mission, and the God who gave it.
As we traveled, I often played those powerful missionary hymns—especially “Whom Shall I Send?” They reminded me that every mission is born from a willing heart. When Christ is the center, even the most difficult paths become possible.
Go Out with Nothing
In the first reading, David speaks to Solomon with fatherly love: “Take courage. Keep the Lord’s commandments, His statutes, His ordinances, and you will succeed in whatever you do.” Jesus gives His disciples the same message. He sends them out with no extra tunic, no food, no money. Not because these things are unnecessary, but because trust in God is greater than any earthly security.
Our founder, Fr. Patrick Peyton, lived this truth. With almost nothing in his hands but faith in his heart, he began a mission that reached millions through radio, film, and public prayer. His life proclaimed his famous words: “The family that prays together stays together.”
The Mission of the Family
Dear families, you too have a mission—your vocation to love, forgive, teach, and remain faithful to one another. And like every mission, it includes difficult roads. Some families carry wounds of misunderstanding. Others struggle with financial burdens, sickness, or broken relationships. Some face the temptation to walk away, to choose separation instead of reconciliation. Yet we have seen couples who rediscovered unity through forgiveness. We have seen parents who, even in their final days, strengthened their children by witnessing unshakable faith. We have seen families rise again because they trusted in God’s power to heal.
Saint Paul asks in Romans 8:38: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall distress, persecution, famine, peril, or sword?” Nothing—not even the trials inside a home—can separate us from God’s love unless we allow it.
Take Courage
So today every family: Take courage. Keep the Lord’s commandments. Trust in Him. Stay faithful in prayer. Stand firm in love. Let forgiveness be your path, and let Christ be the center of your home. He who calls you will strengthen you. He who blesses your marriage and your family will sustain you.
May God’s grace guide our journey, unite our hearts, and make our homes a place where His love is known, shared, and lived daily.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Joachim'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.)
