On this feast day of St. James, the apostle, we hear a call echoing through the ages — a call to service, to love, to sacrifice. This call isn't just for priests or religious but for every one of us, especially within our families. Our families are the primary arena where this call is lived out, where our service and love have the most profound impact.
In today's Gospel, we hear James and John misunderstanding Jesus' message. They sought positions of power and prestige, but Jesus gently corrected their vision. He taught them that true greatness lies not in ruling over others but in serving them.
This call to serve is echoed in St. Paul's letter. He endured hardship and suffering, not as a burden, but as a way to share in Christ's life and bring His light to the world. Like St. Paul, we too are called to transform our challenges into opportunities for love.
Opportunities for Love
In our families, this means putting the needs of others before our own. It means listening with an open heart, offering a helping hand, and forgiving generously. It means embracing the sacrifices that come with loving unconditionally, just as Jesus did for us.
St. James ultimately embraced this call to service, even unto death. He drank from the cup of Christ, not earthly power but sacrificial love. His example inspires us to live not for ourselves but for others.
In our families, we can follow St. James' example. We can serve our spouses, children, parents, and siblings with the same selfless love that Jesus showed us. We can turn our homes into havens of peace, joy, and mutual support. Remember, every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every gesture of forgiveness is a powerful way of serving Christ. It's how we build stronger, healthier, and holier families. It's how we transform the world, one act of love at a time.
Transforming the World Around Us
Let this truth fill you with hope and inspiration as you continue your journey of service and love.
So today, let us ask St. James to intercede for us. May he give us the courage to serve with love, embrace sacrifice, and always put our families first.
May we drink from the cup of Christ, not for our own glory, but for the good of those we love and the glory of God.
- 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 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.")