December 17, 2006: Father Maletta's homily begins with the story of a marriage, an illustration where every person can find a piece of their own story when marriage becomes more challenging and less rewarding than anticipated.
The words of St. Paul command:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:4-9)
Father Maletta explains...
"[God's] love established joy and peace in heaven. And when given a chance here on earth, can be active in human society today...
How do you reconcile a command to rejoice, with a life that offers little to rejoice over? Is it possible to reconcile a feeling of personal hopelessness with a season of hope? Yeah. Certainly. Of course! How? Well, start by thinking less about yourselves and more about God."
Listen to the full homily
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