Welcome to Dear Father Thomas, a weekly column where readers share their questions about faith, family, relationships, and life’s challenges. Each week, Father Thomas offers practical wisdom and spiritual guidance rooted in Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
DEAR FATHER THOMAS: My husband and I are faithful Catholics. We go to Mass every Sunday, we pray together, and we are trying to raise our children to love God. But lately, I feel overwhelmed by fear. Every trip to the grocery store seems more expensive. Our utility bills keep going up. Our mortgage payment feels heavier every month. We have cut back on eating out, canceled subscriptions, and stopped buying things we don’t need, but it still feels like we’re falling behind.
I find myself lying awake at night wondering how we will pay for everything. I pray, but sometimes I wonder if God is listening. I know He tells us not to worry, yet worry seems to follow me everywhere. How can I trust God when the financial pressures of everyday life feel so overwhelming? —WORRIED AND WEARY
DEAR WORRIED AND WEARY: First, let me tell you something many people need to hear right now: you are not alone. I hear from faithful Catholics every day who are struggling with rising grocery prices, housing costs, and monthly bills. Good people who work hard and love God are carrying a heavy burden. One of the greatest temptations during difficult financial times is fear. We lie awake at night trying to solve tomorrow’s problems before tomorrow even arrives.
But Jesus speaks directly to that fear when He says, “Do not worry about tomorrow.” Notice He doesn’t say your problems aren’t real. He doesn’t say your bills don’t matter. He simply reminds us that fear should not be the thing that guides our lives.
As Catholics, we are called to do two things: be prudent and trust God. Be prudent with your finances. Make wise decisions. Work hard. Be a good steward of what God has given you. But after you’ve done what you can, leave the rest in God’s hands.
Remember, the same God who cared for the Holy Family through uncertainty still watches over your family today. So tonight, before you go to sleep, pray these simple words: “Jesus, I trust in You. Help me to be faithful today and trust You with tomorrow.”
Your peace does not come from having a perfect bank account. Your peace comes from knowing that no matter what happens, you belong to God. God bless you.
Thank you for joining us for this first episode of Dear Father Thomas. We hope these reflections bring comfort, encouragement, and a deeper trust in God’s presence in your daily life.
Be sure to return next week for another heartfelt question and a faith-filled response.
Have a question for Father Thomas? Email us at dearfather@ycvf.org. While we can’t respond to every message personally, your letter could be selected for a future episode.
