Dear friends in Christ
Jesus teaches us often that salvation is something which is a consequence of a union with God; ultimately a personal reality as nobody can take our place in this encounter with Him. But He also desires that we support each other and that we help each other on the way towards our final goal. The first and greatest expression of this intimate union with God is in prayer, private and communal. According to the Gospel of this Sunday, family prayer is especially pleasing to him. Commenting on this gospel, Saint John Paul II teaches that: this prayer has for its own object family life itself… Joys and sorrows, hopes and disappointments, births and birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries of parents, departures, separations and homecomings, important and far-reaching decisions, the death of those who are dear to us etc - all of these mark occasions for God's loving intervention in the family's history. They should be seen as suitable moments for thanksgiving, for petition, for trusting abandonment of the family into the hands of their common Father in Heaven. The dignity and responsibility of the Christian family as the domestic Church can be achieved only with God's aid, which will surely be granted if it is humbly and trustingly petitioned for in prayer (Familiaris Consortio n.22).
I am sure that prayer in the family has been the glue that has kept many families together during these months of lockdown. I know from the many testimonies that I have received, it has been daily payer and the weekly Sunday Mass - albeit virtual - that has kept the Faith alive in our homes. I would like to laud all those who have struggled and persevered in doing this, because I understand how hard it has been for everyone. Thank you too, for the example of your faithfulness in prayer and trying, as best we have been able, to keep Faith alive in our hearts and homes.
This Tuesday 8th, is the Birthday of Our Blessed Lady. May she obtain for us all, and for families in particular, the grace of perseverance in our holy vocation. Perhaps I could remind you to offer Mary some little sign of our love on her Birthday: a Rosary said together, a picture or statue placed prominently in our home or simply an affectionate conversation with her in which we confide what is in our heart at this time. She will listen and respond.
God bless you!
Msgr Kevin Hale