Today’s readings reveal what happens when we come close to the living God. Moses’ face becomes radiant — glowing with light after he speaks with the Lord. That radiance wasn’t something Moses manufactured; it was the visible sign of God’s presence, a presence that transforms not just the soul but even the body.
That’s the first truth today: Prayer changes us — spiritually, emotionally, even physically. And this is not just poetic language.
New Light on an Ancient Practice: The Rosary
Just recently, an international study conducted by researchers in Italy, Spain, and Poland has revealed what many faithful Catholics already know by experience: praying the Rosary changes people.
The researchers found that regular Rosary prayer:
- Reduces anxiety and spiritual stress
- Increases empathy and emotional regulation
- Offers peace, calm, and strength in adversity
- And surprisingly, it promotes mental health as effectively as modern mindfulness techniques, but without the price tag or digital dependency.
One participant shared that after her husband died, “Praying the rosary saved my life... it gave me strength to survive the emptiness.” This isn’t superstition. This is encounter with Christ, through Mary, in action.
The Treasure Buried in Family Prayer
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us about the treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price. Both men who found them gave up everything — joyfully — to possess something so valuable.
That treasure, brothers and sisters, is God Himself — and He is waiting to be discovered, daily, in the simplest of ways: through family prayer, through the Rosary at home, through quiet time with the Lord.
And here’s the miracle: when families pray together, they don’t just grow spiritually. They become healthier. Stronger. More joyful. This is what the research now affirms — but faith has always taught us:
“A family that prays together stays together.”
Becoming Radiant Families
Just as Moses’ face shone with the presence of God, so too can our homes shine with His peace. When a father leads the Rosary. When a child prays the Hail Mary at bedtime. When a mother blesses her children. These moments change the atmosphere of the home.
The Rosary is not old-fashioned. It is timeless. And the world desperately needs it.
In a time when people pay hundreds of dollars for meditation retreats, this study reminds us that God has already given us a priceless gift — accessible to all, rich or poor, old or young — a prayer that brings peace, calm, healing, and deep joy.
A Challenge and an Invitation
So today, dear families, I offer you a challenge:
- If you haven’t prayed the Rosary as a family in a while, start again — tonight.
- Begin with one decade.
- Let your children hear you call upon the Blessed Mother.
- Let your neighbors see your family choosing peace.
The more we pray, the more radiant we become — not with our own strength, but with the light of God.
And the world will see — not just our words, but our joy.
That is our hope. That is our mission. That is the treasure.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Pinto'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.)
.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")