Good morning, good people,
It is 17th September 2025.
May the Lord bless you with His peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
We reflect on 1 Tim 3:14-16; Ps 111:1-6; Lk 7:31-35.
We celebrate the memorial of Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor, and Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Virgin and Doctor.
Whom do we belong to?
Many people have asked in conferences and meetings: Why do we belong to a Church? Isn’t personal faith in Jesus enough to be a child of God?
We live in a world of countless denominations, conflicting doctrines, shocking scandals, and disturbing disappointments. All these lead to disillusionment and even a distorted view of the Truth. Belonging to a community and a place of worship requires responsibility and commitment. Belonging to God’s family is not just a need but a deep desire of our human existence.
St. Paul affirms that the Church is “God’s household,” the pillar and foundation of the truth. Our belief in the Sacraments, the Trinity, and the Scriptures are treasures given to us through the Church. We have faith because of the Church.
The Church is indeed the People of God and the institution of Christ — offering healing and mercy, and inviting us to participate in the same life with others.
Jesus clearly points out how our generation finds excuses to evade responsibility and commitment, remaining ungrateful and unsatisfied with the gifts and graces received from God and the Church.
Faith deepens and directs our journey when we travel together.
We cannot have God as our Father without having the Church as our Mother, as Saint Cyprian powerfully reminds us.
Every Mass we attend, every confession we make, every small act of forgiveness, encouragement, or comfort we extend — all these are ways we allow God’s visitation to touch others through us.
May the Lord help us to belong where God resides.
May you have a peaceful day.