The Holy Family: Today's Scripture: Sirach 3: 2-6, 12- 14 or 1Samuel 1: 20-28 ; Colossians 3: 12-21 or 1 John 3: 1-2, 21-24; Luke 2: 41-52 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
“Seeing Family Life As Holy - Warts and All”
As the above title from a past Catholic Update reminds us, the very title of today’s feast, “the Holy Family,” is, for many, an oxymoron. It is a title that can certainly evoke many sentiments, ranging from disbelief and laughter to anger and regret. “Oh yes”, we think, “that title refers to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. But it certainly doesn’t refer to my family -especially after the Christmas celebrations!” Yes, somehow we picture that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph really did have halos! After all, Jesus was God- what more would anyone want???
Yet God’s Word reminds us today that a holy family is not a picture-perfect, halo-wearing family. Real life does involve relationships that grow, evolve, and change (1 Samuel, Luke).
As we begin a new year God's Word can encourage and strengthen us with the renewed awareness that real family life needs effort and work.
Remembering that God is present in the midst of all the reality can make a difference! (Colossians).
To think about:
Do I try to accept myself and the members of my family as people loved by God?
Do I ask God to help me grow in compassion, kindness, patience, and forgiveness?
Where do I look for values for family life?
Do I have unreal expectations of what family life can be?
Do I show that family life is a priority for me in the way I use my time and energy?
To do: Set realistic goals for the new year with other family members.
Make gratitude and thanks part of daily life by noticing your blessings and thanking God.
Ask God to help you see yourself and your family members as God sees them.
Take time to access good family life sites such as www.familylifecenter.net, www.foryourmarriage.org, or the about.com marriage site for good ideas on family life.
Find ways to make God and the church community part of your family life, especially by joining activities with other families.
To pray: “I will hold your people in my heart.”
Next week: Epiphany of the Lord: Isaiah 60: 1-6; Ephesians 3: 1-6; Matthew 2: 1-12
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
"Making Room for God": Reflection for Sunday, Dec 20, 2009; 4th Sunday in Advent
Today's Scripture can be read at www.usccb.org/nab : Micah 5: 1-4; Hebrews 10: 5-10; Luke 1: 39-45
Making Room for God
How easy it is to fill both the visible and invisible areas of our lives with possessions and activities that occupy every available space! Our lives can become so filled, that there is no space available for a quiet moment. At times all the activity can leave us feeling frantic and even without joy; even the thought of an empty space can create a sense of unrest.
We need God’s Word today to remind us not only that God has been with each of us through our life journey, but also that God continues to dwell with us, here and now, in the midst of our lives, as in Bethlehem (Micah).
We need God’s Word to remind us that God calls each of us to a personal relationship. Like Mary, we need to make room in our lives so that God’s life can grow within us (Luke).
In the way that we live, in the way that we show our values and priorities, in the ways that we use our time, talent, and treasure, we let God’s presence grow in our lives. As we make more room in our lives for God, we become what God invites us to be: a home for God.
To think about:
How will I let the peace and hope of this season touch my life and my family’s life?
How will I try to remember that God is with me, and with all people, in the midst of daily life? Can I accept my own inadequacies and those of others with an awareness of God’s loving presence?
To do: Be aware of God’s presence in yourself and in those you meet.
Notice gifts of love, joy, and appreciation.
Let Christmas songs during the week become a prayer for all people.
To pray: “ Be born in our lives, we pray.”
Next: Celebration of the Birth of Jesus
Making Room for God
How easy it is to fill both the visible and invisible areas of our lives with possessions and activities that occupy every available space! Our lives can become so filled, that there is no space available for a quiet moment. At times all the activity can leave us feeling frantic and even without joy; even the thought of an empty space can create a sense of unrest.
We need God’s Word today to remind us not only that God has been with each of us through our life journey, but also that God continues to dwell with us, here and now, in the midst of our lives, as in Bethlehem (Micah).
We need God’s Word to remind us that God calls each of us to a personal relationship. Like Mary, we need to make room in our lives so that God’s life can grow within us (Luke).
In the way that we live, in the way that we show our values and priorities, in the ways that we use our time, talent, and treasure, we let God’s presence grow in our lives. As we make more room in our lives for God, we become what God invites us to be: a home for God.
To think about:
How will I let the peace and hope of this season touch my life and my family’s life?
How will I try to remember that God is with me, and with all people, in the midst of daily life? Can I accept my own inadequacies and those of others with an awareness of God’s loving presence?
To do: Be aware of God’s presence in yourself and in those you meet.
Notice gifts of love, joy, and appreciation.
Let Christmas songs during the week become a prayer for all people.
To pray: “ Be born in our lives, we pray.”
Next: Celebration of the Birth of Jesus
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