St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

         Love Completes Our Joy

Dear brothers and sisters,  

     In our busy world it is easy to overlook the transformative power of love. Yet, it is through love that we find true fulfillment, completeness, and joy. Love is a force that transcends boundaries, heals wounds, and brings people together in unity and harmony. When we experience love - whether it be the love of a friend, a family member, or the divine love of God, we are filled with a sense of warmth, acceptance, and belonging that surpasses all understanding.

     Jesus says, when you love, you complete your joy: “My joy may be in you; and your joy be complete.” Love has the power to transform not only our relationships with others but also our relationship with ourselves. When we cultivate love in our hearts - both for others and for ourselves - we become more empathetic, forgiving, and resilient. This kind of love completes our joy.

     Once a soldier was to be shot for his crimes. The execution was to take place at the ringing of the evening curfew bell. However, the bell did not sound. The soldier's wife had climbed into the belfry and clung to the great clapper of the bell to prevent it from striking. When she was summoned to account for her actions, she wept and showed her bruised and bleeding hands. The captain said, "Your lover shall live because of your sacrifice. Curfew shall not ring tonight!" Love completes the “joy.”

     St. Paul writes, "Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." (Phil. 2:2) If a priest is having the mind of Christ’s priesthood he finds/completes his joy in the priesthood. If the married couples and families strive to be united in love and sacrifice, they complete their joy in each other. Nothing can disturb their joy. May you experience the “joy” in your love.

Blessings!

Msgr. Xavier                       
                                       Please pray for vocations to the priesthood &
                                               for the Priests of our Diocese

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