Feast of the Holy Family

Our readings for the Feast of the Holy Family:

1. Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14
2. Psalms 128: 1-2, 3, 4-5
3. Colossians 3: 12-21
4. Matthew 2: 13-15

• Finding God in family
• Family.  You can't live with them sometimes and you can't live without them.  Yet in spite of all of the messiness that we find in typical families, that's where we find God as well.
• In what ways does God show His Presence in your family?
• How do you remind each other of your family history and heritage?
• What do you do/say with each other to bring out the best in each other?
• Do you ever thank each other for that influence in your lives? 

• The fruit of your handiwork
• We like to think that hard work will always be rewarded with peace and prosperity and security.
• Have everything that you have put a lot of time and work into turned out the way that you had hoped (career, your marriage, your children, ...)?
• Why do you think that is?
• Did it work out for the best in the end?
• What if it does not work out for the best in the end, what then? 

• Admonishing one another
• I've been firmly admonished a couple of times in life.  I really deserved it at the time, but that didn't make it feel any better.  I could wish that I received such gentle correction with better grace though.
• What prevents you from admonishing someone else?  Do you feel that you have to somehow "deserve" the privilege, or that maybe no one really cares about the problem that you see, or ...
• Have you ever admonished someone else?
• How did that turn out?
• Did it do anyone any good?
• What did you learn? 

• Discernment
• Making big, life-changing decisions can be agonizing.  They are particularly hard when there seems to be no time to consider, no time to "sleep on it".  At that point, most of us will turn to others looking for advice, some alternative perspective so that we can find some clarity.  Joseph appears to had only his dreams.
• If God is so almighty, would it kill Him to just send an e-mail with directions?
• How has God communicated His will to you over the years?
• Do you feel as though you're getting any more sensitive to that "still, small, voice in your life?
• How might you practice better listening to God? 

• Preparation for Reconciliation
• Where is God offering me Himself in my family?
• How might I offer myself, my life more deeply to God?
• Am I humble enough to accept God's correction in my life?
• How can I better serve with, in, through my community?

I Have a Dream

My world has become hostile and full of fear.
Where once I anticipated an ordinary life,
Surrounded by friends and family.
Making a quiet living building for others.

Suddenly, I'm nowhere I recognize.
Fleeing from despots who never knew me.
My anonymity shredded.
All hope of quite security gone.

And yet, when I look into Mary's eyes,
When I behold our child.
I find peace that tells me that we are right where we belong.
No matter where that happens to be.

Home is where God calls us.
Community is those we meet on the way.
Family are His children serving with us.
And tomorrow is what happens when you get there.

Lord, give me the courage to let go.
The humility to receive what You offer me.
The courage to stand for you with my family.
And the joy in You that passes all understanding.
 

Shalom!