Tagged: Marriage Encounter
Three years later, I became a Catholic. I was really enthusiastic—I was going to be the best Catholic that I could be.
After a few years, I became a Catholic in name only. I had a lot of misconceptions about God. I could not conceive that the God of the whole universe loved me, nor did I know that he wanted a personal relationship with me. I was told that he loved me, but I never experienced that love. After ten years, our marriage became a rocky road. By now we had five children and I was working two jobs to make ends meet. I complained a lot, was irritated and frustrated.
After a few years, I became a Catholic in name only. I had a lot of misconceptions about God. I could not conceive that the God of the whole universe loved me, nor did I know that he wanted a personal relationship with me. I was told that he loved me, but I never experienced that love. After ten years, our marriage became a rocky road. By now we had five children and I was working two jobs to make ends meet. I complained a lot, was irritated and frustrated.
What is the church’s intention for this feast in the midst of the Christmas cycle? The intention in this feast is to present Mary, Joseph and Jesus as a model for Christian families. The Sirach reading, written in the second century B.C., speaks today of reverence for one’s parents in words that have a timeless quality. In Colossians, Paul presents practical ways in which the bond of love expressed itself within the Christian community, including family relations. The Gospel selection today from Matthew’s infancy narratives, while not written primarily to highlight family values, does point to the guardian role of Joseph for Mary and Jesus. One thing is certain. The scriptures are totally at odds with the decimation and demise of the family.
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalms 128:1-5; Colossians 3:12-21; Luke 2:41-52 I prayed that you and your family had a blessed Christmas. Remaining close to Jesus and faithful to the core teachings of our faith will bring us peace, joy and good direction for our life. What we know Biblically about the family life of Jesus, Mary...
LET US PRAY FOR ALL PEOPLE TO HAVE A SAFE AND BLESSED NEW YEAR IN GOD’S MERCY. Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Ps 128:1-5; Colossians 3:12-21; Luke 2:22-40 It is a little difficult reflecting on four different themes in a week or two around Christmas. With this Holy Family Sunday it is helpful to go back the...
Joy Stories: Saved by Don Quixote – by Bill Alexander – Like the love Don Quixote showered on Dulcinea, Bill Alexander tells how Jesus just engulfed him with unconditional love and mercy. Singing through the pain – No sermon as effective as the joy of young musician singing through his pain. Friar’s Corner: I give...
