May 1, 2026
St. Joseph the Worker
A Reminder From the Heart
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
John 14:1

My heart was troubled—literally! I just didn’t feel right. After a trip to the emergency department and many, many tests, there was no diagnosis. And a lot of scary possibilities still loomed. In the end, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Part of the process of arriving at that diagnosis involved going to a psychologist to see if my ailments might have been a byproduct of nerves. She asked me what I did to relax. I rattled off a few things: playing basketball, listening to the oldies, spending time with family. Several days later, I realized that I had not cited my faith—the number one means that I rely on to cope with the difficulties of life!

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds his disciples to have faith in him. If the disciples needed a reminder, we shouldn’t feel bad about also needing one. Besides, some of us can’t afford to have troubled hearts!

- Terence Hegarty

Acts 13:26-33 ✚ Psalm 2:6-11 ✚ John 14:1-6
Cascade flows in the springtime in Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain National Park. Image by Edward F. Ponikwia | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Salina (not in control)
May 1, 2026 at 09:17 PM

What is faith? “that I rely on to cope with the difficulties of life!” *** Hebrews 11:1, 3, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being sure of what we do not see… We have faith. So we understand that everything was made when God commanded it. That’s why we believe that what we see was not made out of what could be seen!” *** Faith is being “sure” of what we hope for that we do not see!!! Being “sure” when we don’t see or feel any hope!!! *** Faith is understanding God made everything...
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Mary Beth
May 1, 2026 at 11:16 AM

Offering prayers for Liz now. May God guide the hands of her medical team and may she have recover very soon.

Pam
May 1, 2026 at 10:07 AM

Dearhearts…Prayers up please for Max’s sister, Liz. We just heard that she fell and is in route to the hospital. Her cancer has been making its way through more and more of her body, yet she has continued to truly live each day, including still going to Silver Sneakers! She lives in Charlotte but went yesterday to DC for Grandparents Day weekend. Flew by herself and was feeling good. We have no other details other than the Paramedics thought it was a hip injury. Yes, she’s 88 and while that maybe all seem relative…she’s our relative! God Bless Sis and...
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Bill L
May 1, 2026 at 03:59 PM

What a spirited lady Liz sounds like, Pam. I'm sure she's telling everyone not to worry. But we have her in our prayers anyway!

freeter
May 1, 2026 at 09:43 AM

Amen! I wish Terence and the whole LF family both peace and good health! :)

CBR
May 1, 2026 at 09:03 AM

In this world today sometimes it looks like all we have is fate and God to help us through the hard times but thank the Lord we have him to go to Amen Amen Amen

Gary
May 1, 2026 at 08:58 AM

Having faith helps you cope with life. For me it makes me feel good inside like enjoying a blue sky, a gentle breeze, or the fresh smell after a rain. Enjoy your day and the little things that are on your path. Amen!

ADV
May 1, 2026 at 08:54 AM

AMEN!

Stormi
May 1, 2026 at 08:48 AM

Terence your words hit home in me. Things I do to relax ,I tell myself my morning prayer is that but I can worry so much about whether I am doing it right or not that I get tense even praying. If I don't get my daily routine of prayers in I feel like a failure. We can be our worst enemies eh? Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. Please Holy Spirit fill our hearts with your love and guide us to follow Gods ways and to a more heavenly earth.

Pam
May 1, 2026 at 09:40 AM

Stormi…you have no idea the feeling of relief that overwhelmed me when I read your post this morning! We are kindred spirits! I am the exact same way, if I don’t get ALL my prayers said, I feel I’ve failed my spiritual journey for the day! I have a whole litany of Saints that I thank and pray to each day…and of course Our Lord and Mary before my feet touch the floor, they’re always first!❣️and when I have what I call the perfect day, that’s bliss! Thank you for your honest words! God Bless Us All And All Who...
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Cheryl
May 1, 2026 at 06:40 AM

Amen... faith, hope, love and peace are what we can strive for

Mike
May 1, 2026 at 08:20 AM

Amen

Patrick
May 1, 2026 at 03:26 AM

Anxiety, fear, stress, insecurity etc., we hear these subjects discussed on radio, television, podcasts, and in latter years on demand through our phones. Some of us still read newspapers and magazines—-We hear of or read about all sorts of remedies and therapies to cure or at least treat these ailments. Taking a well deserved break from the pressures of our modern day living, a trip away, a visit to a wellness centre etc..—- Down the ages our human lives always had issues to contend with. It will never be any different. —-Ecclesiastes 1:9  What has been will be again, what...
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Stormi
May 1, 2026 at 08:49 AM

Amen Patrick!

Cascade flows in the springtime in Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain National Park. Image by Edward F. Ponikwia | stock.adobe.com
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