Heart-to-Heart Connect
Dear brothers and sisters,
The heart of God is revealed in the scriptures vividly! St. Jerome said, “If you do not know the Scripture, you do not know Jesus.” “If you do not know Jesus’ heart you do not know the heart of God.” “He Who Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father.” (John 14:8-10)
A Scottish Chaplain during WWII was ministering to a dying soldier who was fatally wounded. In his last breath to the chaplain, he asked him, "Chaplain, is God like Jesus?" Quickly the chaplain replied back as he died in his arms, "YES! son, God is like Jesus.” He has a heart like God. He has eyes, feet, and, hands in the God-head.
God made a covenant when He revealed His heart to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. It was a “hearts covenant.” He revealed his plan for the chosen people; to establish his covenant and fulfill His plan leading them to the promised land. After countless attempts, God decided to write His laws on the people’s heart - I call it “Conscience.”
In order to show us how to live by conscience, God sent His Son, Jesus (Heb. 1: 2); and he spoke about living the heart. "Come to me all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me. For I am gentle, and lowly of heart." (Matt. 11:28-30) Thus Jesus revealed the heart of God; that we might take to heart God’s unending love that is written on our hearts. He wishes all of us know his love ‘by heart’ that leads us to die like the wheat and be selfish but fruitful; be willing to sacrifice this life and to see His glorify; and be a serv- ant like Jesus.
Therefore, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Prov 4:23) “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good.” (Lk.6:45) Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Be connected with God’s Heart.
Blessings!
Msgr. Xavier
Please pray for vocations to the priesthood &
for the Priests of our Diocese
The Best Place of Worship Award - SEVEN Consecutive Years
Download our NEW Parish Mobile App
"MyParish"
Upcoming Events
40 Cans for Lent
Collect one can for each day of Lent
Donations benefit St. Matthew Food Pantry
Drop off in the church foyer
FISH FRY
KC Council #2771
Fridays after the Stations of the Cross
7 pm to 9 pm in the Parish Hall
Women’s ACTS Retreat
March 14-17, 2024
“The Hour Has Come”
Applications in church foyer
Our Lady's Guild
March 21, at 9:30 a.m.
St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 2108 Ridgewood Dr.
Bonnie Shivers will lead a craft making project
Parish Work Day
March 23, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Prepare the church for Easter
Bring your tools or equipment
Pastor
Rev. Msgr. Xavier Pappu
msgrxavier@stmattlgv.com
Phone: 903-295-3890 x 2103
Phone: 903-295-7558 (res.)
Secretary
Beth Kennedy
churchoffice@stmattlgv.com
Phone: 903-295-3890 x2102
Reception
reception@stmattlgv.com
Phone: 903-295-3890 x 2101
Music Ministry
Beth Kennedy
music@stmattlgv.com
Phone: 903-295-3890 x 2107
Faith Formation
Freeda Dasaiyan
dff@stmattlgv.com
Phone: 903-295-3890 x 2105
Youth Ministry
Sonja Gehrmann
Youth@stmattlgv.com
903-295-3890
MASS SCHEDULES
English:
SATURDAY: 5 pm
SUNDAY: 8:30 am, 10:30 am & 6:00 pm.
Spanish:
Sabado: 7 PM
Domingo: 1 PM