October 4 and 5, 2008
Every family is visited by difficult times. These times can pull us together or push us apart. They can be the "cornerstone" which we would naturally "reject" but becomes the unifying point where we drop our pettiness and defenses and pull together, linked by a common bond and a common love for one another.

 

We naturally avoid and "reject" difficult moments.  These difficult times can be a "cornerstone" uniting our family and linking us through a difficult experience which becomes a common bond.

 

October 11 and 12, 2008
Today's gospel speaks about "unworthy wedding guests."  What makes a "worthy" guest?  Presence and presents are not enough. The greatest gift we can give is our support to the couple as they voyage through life together.  Marriage naturally contains within it the fields of disappointment.  Think of the weddings you have attended. Have you been a "worthy guest?"

 

October 18 and 19, 2008
Jesus was exasperated when he scolded: "Why do you put me to the test?"  It is natural for children to test parents; this is how they learn and how we teach limits, rules and values. Be like Jesus in today's gospel; he was firm, honest and direct.

 

The phrase in today's gospel is famous: "Pay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."  Taxes insure the government gets its share of our families resources, but what about our debts to God.  How much time does your family give to God in conversation (prayer) or in service to our fellow humans who are in need?

 

October 25 and 26, 2008
Halloween is the night before All Saints Day.  Today's gospel asks us to concentrate on loving our neighbor.  Our closest neighbors are the people with whom we live.  Anyone can be "saint" in front of strangers but the daily acts of patience, acceptance, forgiveness, listening, and dying to oneself within the family are religious acts.  Family life is the turf of sanctity. 

 

November 1 and 2, 2008
"Come to me, all who are burdened, I will give you rest." Our loved ones, who have stepped through the door of death, are now at rest, free of all burdens. In going home to the Lord they brought their love and concern for us with them. Death cannot totally separate families; our love binds us together forever. 

 

November 8 and 9, 2008
In today's gospel Jesus is clear:  our homes are meant to be "my Father's House" where everyone grows in love under the protection of commitment and forgiveness and not a "marketplace" where we store our "trophies" of consumer spending.

 

November 15 and 16, 2008
Like the servants in today's gospel, God has given us special assets and expects us to totally invest ourselves in them. Laziness or being too busy is not tolerated.  Family was freely given to us and is our most precious asset. Invest yourself!

 

November 22 and 23, 2008
Families feed the hungry, give drinks to thirsty toddlers and welcome strangers and even stranger relatives into our homes. We clothe children and visit family members who are sick and imprisoned.  The routine actions of family life are religious and priestly for we make Christ present in what we do. Families live the Beatitudes.

 

November 29 and 30, 2008
Today's gospel warns about routines and specifically mentions eating and drinking, raising a family, working and preparing meals.  STAY AWAKE because routines can numb you to God breaking into your daily life, calling you to higher ground, "when you least expect."

 

December 5 and 6, 2008
Today's gospel raises many questions: Was the Baptist's family embarrassed by his life style, diet, clothing and message?  Did they avoid or ignore him or advise him to come home and be 'normal?' Advent, a time to change our hearts, raises another question: Who in your family needs for your acceptance?

 

December 13 and 14, 2008
A parent is meant to be a "witness to the light." To be effective, light must be in front of our children, not behind them.  A parent must lead, not follow to "make straight the path of the Lord" for their children.

 

December 20 and 21, 2008
Today's Gospel sounds like a fairy tale, story which is too good to be true. But it is true.  While it is about the birth of Jesus, it is also about the faith of a young teenager, Mary, and Joseph's courage, respect and affection for Mary.  When faith, courage, respect and affection live in a family, "God is with you!"

 

December 27 and 28, 2008
Holy Family Sunday is not just about Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Your family too is called to be a "sign" to the world of a way of life modeled after the Holy Family.  Like Mary and Joseph, you will be "a sign opposed" by others. For being different a "sword will pierce your heart."  If we are doing it right, pain and Christianity go together!