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Goodness is Contagious: Family Reflection Video

Goodness is Contagious: Family Reflection Video

Strengthening family unity

“We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

We all hope to follow in the footsteps of the brave holy witnesses that came before us like St. Cecilia, whom we celebrate today, and the mother with seven sons in today’s reading. Through their stories we are reminded to:

  1. Show concern for the spiritual and material well-being of our loved ones.
  2. Respect the gift of life and withstand the negative cultural forces that seem to dismiss the inherent importance of human life.
  3. Trust we will be rewarded for our hard work and diligence. (Laziness is never praised in the gospel!)

Today we may not be faced with physical death like many Christians in some parts of the world but we need to withstand the death of our spiritual values.

As you give thanks to God this week as a family, remind each other and invite each other to pass on the goodness of our faith and family values.

For additional reading: Martyrdom of a Mother and Her Seven Sons.

About Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.

Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., Ph.D., serves as the International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries (HCFM). In this role, he provides leadership and support to HCFM ministries in 18 countries across 6 continents, helping advance the mission of strengthening family prayer, faith formation, and spiritual life around the world. Originally from Kerala, India, Father Pinto spent ten years as a missionary in Tripura with the Northeast Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Before his appointment as International Director, he served as Special Assistant to the President of Holy Cross Family Ministries. He also ministered for six years in Campus Ministry at Stonehill College, accompanying students in their faith formation, leadership development, and spiritual growth.