Message from our Pastor - June 21, 2026

Dear Friends,

Some time ago, a group from the University of Southern California became interested in a very important question: Why do some people succeed while others, with equal talents and opportunities, fail? They studied nearly two thousand students over a period of six years, and their findings were remarkable. They discovered that one of the most important factors influencing success or failure is a person's self-image. Those who see themselves as valuable, lovable, and capable are more likely to move forward with confidence and hope. Those who see themselves as worthless or incapable often begin to live according to that false image.

This insight applies not only to human success but also to our Christian life. As Christians, success is not measured by wealth, status, or achievement. It is measured by our ability to love God and love our neighbor. Yet genuine love always involves the gift of self. Love is not merely a feeling; it is the offering of our hearts, our time, our attention, and our lives for the good of another.

But if a person believes deep within, "I am not worth much," or "I am not lovable," it becomes difficult to give oneself freely in love. We cannot easily offer as a gift what we believe has little value. No one willingly gives away something they consider worthless. Therefore, the question becomes: Where do we learn our value? How do we discover whether we are lovable?

Very often, we learn it from others, especially from those closest to us. If, while growing up, we are treated as unimportant, unwanted, or unloved, those wounds can remain with us for years. But when we are treated with love, patience, respect, and kindness, we gradually come to believe that we are indeed valuable and lovable.

This reminds us how important our treatment of others truly is. Our words can heal or wound. Our attitudes can encourage or discourage. Our patience and kindness can help another person discover his or her God-given dignity. Every encounter becomes an opportunity either to build someone up or to tear someone down.

Yet, as Christians, our deepest identity does not come from the opinions of others. It comes from God Himself. Sacred Scripture teaches that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, every life possesses an inviolable dignity. Every person has immeasurable worth. Every soul is precious in the eyes of the Lord.

This is precisely the message of today's Gospel. Jesus tells us that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father's knowledge. He knows even the number of hairs on our head. Then He speaks these consoling words: "Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

What a beautiful message for all of us! God says to each of us: You are not forgotten. You are not invisible. You are not worthless. You are loved. You are precious in My eyes. So precious, in fact, that the Father sent His only Son into the world to save you. The Cross is the greatest proof of your worth in the eyes of God.