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Why Your Faith Still Matters in a Hurting World

Have you ever felt discouraged when you see headlines, comments, or videos claiming that Christians do not actually help anyone?

Maybe you have heard:

"Churches only care about themselves."
"Christians talk about helping the poor, but they never do anything."

For a devout Catholic trying to live the Gospel, those accusations can sting.

They can even plant quiet doubts:

Are we really making a difference?

Does the Church still care for the poor?

Is my faith actually bearing fruit?

Today’s Holy Highlight is a reminder that the Catholic Church has always been, and continues to be, one of the greatest forces for mercy the world has ever known.

And your faith is part of that story.

A Story That Reveals the Heart of Christ

A video recently showed a woman calling various religious groups, pretending to be a struggling mother in need of baby formula. Her goal was to see who would help.

Some refused.

Some ignored her.

But one Franciscan priest told a real story that changes the entire conversation.

He remembered answering the door one morning to find a pregnant woman who had walked six hours from a remote village in Honduras. She was hungry. She needed food. She needed medical care.

And she knew where to go.

She came to the Catholic Church.

She came because she trusted that the Church would help.

And she was right.

What the Apostles Expected

Father Mark Mary pointed to Galatians 2:10:

“They only asked that I be mindful of the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”

Think about that.

Peter, James, and John.

The men who walked with Jesus.

The pillars of the early Church.

What was the one thing they emphasized?

Care for the poor.

Not as an optional extra.

Not as a fundraising slogan.

But as a defining mark of Christian life.

The Catholic Church Has Been Living This Mission for Two Thousand Years

Hospitals began with the Church.

Universities began with the Church.

Orphanages, shelters, food programs, medical missions, charity orders.

For centuries, Catholics have cared for:

• abandoned children
• pregnant mothers
• the elderly
• the sick
• the hungry
• refugees
• the homeless
• the forgotten

This is not theory.
This is our history.

And it continues today.

Signs of Living Faith Today

In that same video, Father Mark highlighted real Catholic works:

• a medical center in Honduras offering free care to the poorest of the poor• a program providing prenatal and postnatal care for vulnerable mothers
• homes that protect women in crisis pregnancies and newborns
• organizations like Mary's Meals feeding children for an entire year for a little over twenty five dollars

These ministries do not exist because Catholics want applause.

They exist because Christ lives in His Church.

The world notices.

Even those who do not believe notice.

One commenter said:

"I don’t believe in Christianity, but churches that actually help really touch my heart."

That is powerful.

The Certainty You Can Hold

Yes, there are failures.

Yes, individual Catholics may fall short.

Every saint has a past.

Every sinner has a future.

But the heart of the Church remains the heart of Christ.

Jesus said in Matthew 25:

"When I was hungry, you gave me food."

He did not say:

"When your institution was perfect."
"When every person acted perfectly."

He said:

"When you fed the hungry, you fed me."

Whenever you give, serve, pray, support, or act with compassion, you are living the Gospel.

And the world is changed because of it.

Your Faith Is Not Wasted

If you have ever:

• donated to a parish drive
• prayed for someone in need
• supported a missionary or charity
• volunteered
• given food or clothing
• offered a ride
• comforted someone who was suffering

You have participated in the living work of Christ.

You are part of the Church’s witness.

You are helping Christ reach the poor through your hands.

Your faith is not nothing.

Your faith is bearing fruit.

Your Spiritual Step for Today

Ask the Lord:

"Jesus, show me one small act of mercy I can do today."

Then do it quietly.

No recognition needed.

God sees it.

He treasures it.

A Short Prayer

Lord Jesus,
thank You for letting us share in Your work of mercy.
Strengthen our hearts with compassion.
Give us courage to love the poor as You love them.
Renew our faith and help us reflect Your generosity in all we do.

Amen.

If this message strengthened your confidence in the beauty of our Catholic faith, reply and let me know.

Your witness matters.

Your faith matters.

Little by little, we are building the Kingdom.

Let us continue together.