St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

32. Hope Keeps Us Vigilant

Dear brothers and sisters,   

      Someone said, “There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them. If they have hope they are expected to be awake about it.”

     A man approached a little league baseball game one afternoon. He asked a boy in the dugout what the score was. The boy responded, "Eighteen to nothing--we're behind." "Boy," said the spectator, "I'll bet you're discouraged." "Why should I be discouraged?" replied the little boy. "We haven't even gotten up to bat yet!" This is hope that keeps him awake!

     God promised to His people to deliver them at the night of the Passover; they were warned in advance; they acted in obedience; kept awake and were delivered. This was a communal hope rooted in God’s covenant or promise fulfilled by hoping in God.

     Jesus exhorts his disciples and us to trust Him without fear, in faith and be led by vigilant action – keeping their lamps burning, ready to the Master’s return – with faithful service; not be complacent or abuse your time or people. “Blessed are those servants ...the master finds vigilant on his arrival.”

     Abraham lived with lively faith as assurance of things hoped for, rooted in God’s promises – God called him to go to a place that He intended to show, and he kept his hope awake. “By faith he sojourned… looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God.”

     As pilgrims of Hope we are reminded: Hope is not passive. It is a living faith that stays awake, vigilant, prepares, and acts - because it trusts in the God who keeps His promises. Be vigilant, and be prepared serving the Lord and others.

Prayers and Blessings!

Msgr. Xavier Pappu
                                               Bishop Kelly's Pastoral Letter 
                                              Carta Pastoral - Pentecostes -Espanol

                                    Please pray for vocations to the priesthood,
                              for the Priests of our Diocese; & for our Bishop.
           Download our Parish Mobile App  "MyParish"