Worth The Commitment

Grab

What makes community life a blessing for you?

Grace

Read: “No one is saved alone, that is, neither as an isolated individual nor by his own strength, but God draws us to himself, taking into account the complex fabric of interpersonal relationships present in a human community” – Pope Francis

God has given us the gift and blessing of community, a place where we can grow in our relationship with Him and with one another. But for us to fully receive the graces of this gift, we are called to commit ourselves to community life. Commitment is never easy as it requires giving of ourselves. There are days when we feel unmotivated to attend, and moments when we’ve been hurt by others and are tempted to withdraw. There are days when community life feels dry and we feel uninspired to show up. Yet, commitment becomes possible when we begin to see it not as a burden, but as an act of gratitude and an expression of our love for God and His people. 

Gratitude transforms commitment. Each effort we lovingly give, whether attending a household meeting, joining an assembly, offering our talents and resources in service, or giving our time for mission, becomes an opportunity to say “Thank You, Lord, for all You have given me.” Love makes commitment joyful. When we recognize that our service flows from the love we have first received, we begin to pour out our time, talent, and treasure with joy, making the love of Christ known through our lives. As we are called to grow in commitment, we look to the example of our Blessed Mother Mary, who inspires us to persevere in our “yes” to God and to our community. Like our dear Lady, may we commit ourselves with full trust, fearless surrender and faithful presence.

1. Full Trust

When the angel told Mary she would bear the Son of God, she didn’t have all the answers. Still, she trusted and said, “Be it done unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Like Mary, we are called to trust God even when things are unclear or difficult. Her faith reminds us to stay committed, believing that God’s plans are always good. In the same way, God desires for us to trust His wisdom in bringing us into community. He longs to meet us there, but it requires our trust - to believe that His invitation is an act of love, and that saying “yes” will lead us closer to Him.

2. Fearless Surrender

Mary’s life was a daily “yes” to God - at the Annunciation, in fleeing to Egypt, and even at the foot of the Cross. She surrendered her comfort, her plans, and even her Son to God’s mission. In the same way, commitment to community sometimes means facing our fears, or letting go of our schedules, preferences, or pride. Like Mary, we can choose obedience out of love and trust in God’s greater plan. We may not always understand why He calls us to serve, to attend, or to stay faithful in difficult seasons, but we can believe that He has led us here to draw us nearer to Him.

3. Faithful Presence

Mary lived her “yes” every day. She was present with Elizabeth, at the wedding at Cana, at the Cross, and in prayer with the disciples at Pentecost. Her faithful presence gave strength to the early Church. In the same way, our commitment to community is not about perfection but presence - choosing to show up, to listen, to accompany, and to love. Each time we are present for one another, we reflect Christ’s love in our relationships and help strengthen the body of Christ.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10

Our commitment to community is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When we choose to remain faithful; through trust, surrender, and presence; we open ourselves to the grace of God and allow His love to flow through us to others. 

May we learn from Mother Mary’s example to trust even when uncertain, to surrender even when it costs, and to stay present even when it is difficult. In doing so, our community life becomes not just an obligation, but a living witness of gratitude and love for God.

Gather

What challenges your commitment to community life? What is God calling me to do (individually and as a couple) to grow in my commitment to our community life?

Go Forth

Choose one committed action you can take to grow in your community life (ex. regularly attend household, attend an LBS session, go on a mission trip, give a talk, serve in an MFC or LCSC activity, etc.). Aim to do this in the last quarter of this year. This September, offer a weekly rosary for the intentions of the MFC community.

Give

God is Generous, and in response, let us be good stewards by consistent Spiritual Giving, our tithing. 

For Tithes Remittance of NCR Members: bit.ly/mfctithes

Go On Mission

Seek for opportunities to service in MFC and/ or LCSC. MFC members 3 years and up are encouraged to go on mission in your own area or province. This can be done as a couple, with your household, or with your family. #FamiliesOnMission