Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s readings speak to something every family wrestles with: how to find true contentment in a world that constantly insists we need more.
St. Paul, writing to Timothy, warns us about the desire for riches. He doesn’t condemn wealth itself, but the restless hunger for more—a hunger that never satisfies.
How true this is today. Our culture whispers: “You need a bigger house… a newer car… the latest gadget.” Social media makes it worse. We see perfect posts, and suddenly our own blessings feel too small.
Parents push themselves to exhaustion, not only to provide, but to keep up. Children begin to measure their worth by what they own, instead of who they are.
But Paul tells us something different: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
In the Gospel, we see women who discovered this secret. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna—they weren’t chasing wealth or recognition. They found fulfillment by serving Jesus and supporting His mission. They remind us that real joy is not found in possessions, but in love, generosity, and service.
We see the same lesson in the life of Father Patrick Peyton. He didn’t come from riches, but he discovered a treasure greater than gold: “The family that prays together, stays together.” His contentment was rooted in prayer and trust in God.
So, how can our families find this same contentment?
St. Paul reminds us: “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.” What endures is our relationship with God, and the love we share with one another.
In the Eucharist, we receive the greatest treasure of all: Jesus Himself. And when we receive Him with faith, the false promises of the world lose their hold.
So let us bear witness—through our families—that our deepest needs are not material, but spiritual. What we truly long for—love, peace, purpose—is found only in Christ.
The family that prays together, finds contentment together.