St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

28. Being a Neighbor Brings Hope

Dear brothers and sisters,   

      Love is not far away. Hope is not a distant dream. What we seek most deeply is already within reach; it’s not too mysterious, nor far across the sea. They are already in our mouths and in our hearts, waiting to be lived. The law of love is near us because God is near us, always planting His Word deep within. What God desires from us is not complicated: it is to choose life, to walk in love, and to listen to His voice. This is demonstrated by the Good Samaritan event or parable by Jesus…

     A man lies beaten on the road, ignored by those who should have helped him. But hope arrives in the form of a stranger. The Samaritan, moved by compassion, goes out of his way to bind wounds, carry burdens, and restore dignity. Here, love is not a theory or a law - it is an action. It crosses boundaries of race, religion, and reputation. It costs something. But this kind of love is what brings hope into a broken world; loving others like God loves.

     A certain lady was celebrating her 85th birthday and was asked by a reporter what advice she would have for others. Here's what she said: "Stay busy helping others." Then she was asked what she did. She replied, "I look after an old lady in our neighborhood."

     The power to love like that is already within us. We may feel helpless at times, watching suffering around us. But God says: “It is not beyond your strength.” Every act of mercy, every choice to forgive, every time we stop for someone in need, we are choosing life, showing love, being a neighbor. It’s our second nature.

     Being a good neighbor brings lots of hope to people around us.

Prayers and Blessings!

                                               Bishop Kelly's Pastoral Letter 
                                              Carta Pastoral - Pentecostes -Espanol

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                              for the Priests of our Diocese; & for our Bishop.
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