Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S. has certainly drawn the
attention and fascination of many. I
love how the simplicity of what he says burrows deeply within the heart of the
receiver. Inspired, I decided to delve into some of his
writings on the family and found this gem excerpted from a homily given October
27, 2013.
He precedes this dialogue by discussing the 3 attributes
that make a family holy: They pray together, keep the faith, and experience
joy.
Dear families, you
know very well that the true joy which we experience in the family is not
superficial; it does not come from material objects, from the fact that
everything seems to be going well… True joy comes from a profound harmony
between persons, something which we all feel in our hearts and which makes us
experience the beauty of togetherness, of mutual support along life’s journey.
But the basis of this feeling of deep joy is the presence of God, the
presence of God in the family and his love, which is welcoming, merciful, and
respectful towards all. And above all, a love which is patient: patience
is a virtue of God and he teaches us how to cultivate it in family life, how to
be patient, and lovingly so, with each other. To be patient among ourselves; a
patient love. God alone knows how to create harmony from differences.
But if God’s love is lacking, the family loses its harmony,
self-centeredness prevails and joy fades. But the family which
experiences the joy of faith, communicates it naturally. That family is
the salt of the earth and the light of the world; it is the leaven of society
as a whole. Dear families, always live in faith and simplicity, like the Holy
Family of Nazareth! The joy and peace of the Lord be always with you!*
If the firstfruits are holy, so is the whole batch of dough; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. Romans 11:16
But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21
Please continue to pray for the family, that a desire
blossoms in each member to grow in holiness.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Help change the world. Encourage someone to grow in
holiness. Pass it on!
* For the full text of his homily click here: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2013/documents/papa-francesco_20131027_omelia-pellegrinaggio-famiglia.html
