Recently, the Holy Cross Family Ministries team in Easton had a beautiful day of retreat with Fr. Bill Dorwart, C.S.C. It was a precious opportunity for us to pause, reflect on our journey, and find nourishment to move forward. As Kierkegaard wisely said, "Life must be lived forward and understood backward."
Today, as we come together to celebrate the Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, we are reminded of the profound connection between living our faith and our actions, our prayers, and our commitment to embodying the Gospel in every aspect of our lives.
I'd like to begin with a story. Imagine a priest asking his congregation, "What is the most important place in the Church?" Various answers may come forth—the altar, where the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, and the lectern, where the Word is proclaimed and the homily delivered. But then, the priest surprises everyone by saying, "Yes, those places are important, but the most crucial spot is the exit door." A hush falls over the congregation. The priest continues, "The exit door is the most important because unless you live out what and who you have received in the Mass, everything will be in vain."
The Word of God
In today's gospel, Jesus reminds us that merely calling out, "Lord, Lord," is not enough to enter the kingdom of Heaven. It's insufficient for God to be glorified only within these sacred walls during worship. Instead, Jesus beckons us to let our faith spring into action. Has the Word of God taken flesh in you and me? The Word of God and our faith are not meant to be confined to our small chapel at the Father Peyton Center or to any church across the world; they should propel us to live them out in our families, workplaces, and communities.
Our families serve as domestic churches where the values of the Gospel are not merely heard but lived. Your homes are the training grounds where the faith received at the altar is put into action, where love, compassion, and justice are practiced daily.
Every Aspect of Life
So, as we leave through those exit doors, let us be mindful that our faith should touch every aspect of our lives, from the way we treat our family members to how we conduct ourselves in our workplaces and communities. May the nourishment we receive from the Eucharist empower us to nourish the world with God's love and grace as we step out of these doors, for “Life must be lived forward and understood backward.” Amen.
During this Advent season, how can you put your faith into action in your family?
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.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")