The story is told of an unbeliever who died after willing his farm to the devil. The next of kin sued to have the will voided on the ground that this was a case in which the will of the deceased could not be carried out. After much legal research and judicial pondering, the Court decision read as follows: “It is decided that every effort should be made to carry out the deceased’s wish. And the best way to carry out the deceased's wish is to allow the farm to grow weeds, soil to erode, the well to run dry, and the house, barn, and fences to rot. In the opinion of the Court, the best way to leave something to the devil is to do nothing.”
This story illustrates a profound truth: neglect, in the form of indifference or inaction, leads to ruin. Just as the farm left to the devil fell into disrepair through neglect, so too can our spiritual lives and our families suffer when we fail to actively nurture them.
In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah pleads with God to remember His covenant with the people, acknowledging their sins and seeking mercy. This teaches us the importance of humility and honesty before God, recognizing our faults, and relying on His grace.
Jesus, in the parable of the weeds and wheat, reminds us that judgment belongs to God alone. Our role is to focus on our own growth and strive to be a light for others, even amidst the challenges of the world.
Nurture Your Family
For families, this means actively cultivating love, faith, and forgiveness in our homes. This involves not just teaching about God's love and mercy, but also living it out in our daily lives, praying together, and creating an environment where faith can flourish. Neglecting these spiritual and familial duties can lead to discord and distance.
Remember, just as a neglected farm falls into disrepair, neglecting our spiritual and familial lives can lead to emptiness and decay. By actively nurturing our faith and relationships, we create a vibrant and flourishing family, grounded in God's love and grace. The consequences of neglect are not just spiritual, but they can also manifest in our family dynamics and overall well-being.
Let us not leave our spiritual farms to the devil by doing nothing. Instead, let us embrace our roles as cultivators of faith and love, ensuring that our families bear fruit in abundance.
- 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.")