It’s a question I hear often, and it’s one that touches something deeply human in all of us. We long to serve God, yet life constantly pulls us in many directions—family, work, finances, and countless tasks. Sometimes, it feels as though our faith and our responsibilities are in competition. But in truth, God never intended them to be rivals. He calls us to find His presence within the ordinary rhythm of our days.
When Jesus lived among us, He spent most of His life doing quiet, simple work as a carpenter in Nazareth. For thirty years, before His public ministry began, He showed us that daily labor—when done with love—can be holy. Our responsibilities are not barriers to faith; they are opportunities to live faith out in real life. St. Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Balancing faith and responsibility begins not with dividing our time, but with uniting our heart. When we invite Christ into our work, our family life, and our duties, they cease to be distractions from prayer and become extensions of it. A morning prayer before work, a quiet “thank You” between meetings, or a patient word spoken when tired—these small acts weave holiness into our ordinary routines.
Of course, we still need moments set apart for God—Mass, prayer, silence. These aren’t luxuries; they are the breath of our soul. But even when our schedule is full, we can turn our tasks into prayer by offering them to God with love. The balance is not about doing less, but about doing everything with Him.
When we place our faith at the center, not the edge, of our daily life, every responsibility becomes a way of loving God. May we learn to live each moment—whether in prayer or in duty—with a heart anchored in His presence.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
