Fr. Michael Reflects: On Faithfulness in a Hostile World

At the close of Liturgy on September 14th, 2025, Fr. Michael Matsko offered a heartfelt reflection following the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. He first gave thanks to Fr. Stephen for being a true spiritual father this past week, comforting us in our grief and anxiety after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk.

Fr. Michael shared that while some may disagree with Charlie’s words or approach, the truth is that Charlie sought to live out the Christian faith to the best of his ability. He bore Christ in his life, and his death was not meaningless — it was a witness to the truth of Christ, just as the Cross itself shows us that the world responds to truth with violence.

He also warned us not to be led astray by voices, even from within the Church, that distort or compromise the Gospel. Our faith is not built on the shifting opinions of individuals, but on the fullness of the Church — the “Church universal.” We must fix our eyes on Christ, who is Himself the Truth.

As Fr. Michael reminded us, the Cross represents both the world’s violence and Christ’s victory. Evil may lash out, but it cannot overcome the truth of the Gospel. Charlie’s death, tragic as it is, is a martyrdom for Jesus Christ. We hold fast to the Cross, trusting that it is through this very instrument of suffering that we are given victory and eternal life.