WITH the recent celebration of the
Solemnity of the Holy
Family, we are reminded that our families should be patterned after
the one of Jesus, Mary and Joseph where not only the natural and
material aspects of the family are attended to, but also and more
importantly, the supernatural and spiritual aspects.
It’s time that we seriously consider this important angle
whenever we talk about the family, never regarding it as something
optional, but rather necessary although always to be understood as
something to be freely accepted, not imposed.
Yes, the family has to be seen more in its spiritual and
supernatural character, from its foundation to its goal, than merely
in its material and natural facets. Since persons are concerned, the
human family cannot help but be endowed also with spiritual and
supernatural dimensions.
Let’s remember that we can never outgrow the need for the
family, no matter how old, mature and independent we can be. Even
those who lead a prominently spiritual and celibate life need it.
It’s a requirement of our nature, given by God and not by
some human consensus. The family is a divine creation, before it is a
human institution.
That is why we don’t talk only of making the family
materially well-conditioned. It has to be spiritually healthy and
vibrant where faith, piety, virtues, charity, compassion, mercy, etc.
take precedence over our material needs for food, shelter, clothing,
etc.
Thus, in one of the readings of the Solemnity, we are told
to “put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with
one another and forgiving one another…” (Col 3,12-13)
This fundamental understanding and attitude toward the
family is now increasingly crucial as we are facing more tricky and
complicated challenges and trials that affect the family.
We see rising cases of dysfunctional families, with
marriages defaced by infidelities and unrenewed love and a sense of
commitment unable to “Reset” or “Reboot” when needed, neglect of
children, family life reduced to a minimum, etc.
Recognizing the crisis, the Vatican last year convoked a
synod of bishops to discuss certain issues regarding the family.
In its working paper, called Lineamenta, the bishops were
asked to highlight “the need for mercy in responding to difficult
situations—even asking the bishops to avoid basing their pastoral care
solely on current Catholic doctrine.”
In other words, the bishops were prodded to find other and
newer ways of dealing with the often ugly situations of the family in
the world today, even as fidelity to Christ’s moral teachings has to
be protected.
I remember that the synod stirred up a hornet’s nest that
indicated that the issues were indeed complicated. They required a lot
of prayers, sacrifice, study, consultation, etc., since the demands of
fidelity to the moral doctrine of Christ has to contend with the need
for growth and adaptation of the same faith to the stark realities on
the ground.
Of course, this effort to find newer but faithful ways of
dealing with difficult family issues has to start with empowering the
family, especially the parents, so that it can fulfill all its duties
and responsibilities, especially the most basic ones that are related
more than anything else, to the spiritual life of all members in the
family. This effort cannot do away with this basic necessity of the
family.
This, of course, is not going to be an easy job. We are
aware of the many inadequacies that families now have as well as the
increasing dangerous influences and conditionings that they are
exposed to. But that’s the challenge we just have to face and learn to
resolve.
Obviously parents, especially the young ones and those
whose formation may not have been good, need a lot of help. Catechesis
for them is necessary, but a lot more are needed. It’s good that there
are groups organized by the churches and some private institutions
that try to meet this need, but more groups are needed.
Parents should be encouraged to teach catechism to their
children in ways that would come out natural. They have to learn how
to discern the spiritual development of their children, like how their
children are thinking, desiring, working, or how they are acquiring
virtues, developing concern for others, handling difficulties, or
appreciating the need for prayers, sacrifice, sacraments, etc.
What can help is for parents to consecrate their families
to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, for it’s there where
they aspire to get the necessary guidance for the development of their
own families.
Family, we are reminded that our families should be patterned after
the one of Jesus, Mary and Joseph where not only the natural and
material aspects of the family are attended to, but also and more
importantly, the supernatural and spiritual aspects.
It’s time that we seriously consider this important angle
whenever we talk about the family, never regarding it as something
optional, but rather necessary although always to be understood as
something to be freely accepted, not imposed.
Yes, the family has to be seen more in its spiritual and
supernatural character, from its foundation to its goal, than merely
in its material and natural facets. Since persons are concerned, the
human family cannot help but be endowed also with spiritual and
supernatural dimensions.
Let’s remember that we can never outgrow the need for the
family, no matter how old, mature and independent we can be. Even
those who lead a prominently spiritual and celibate life need it.
It’s a requirement of our nature, given by God and not by
some human consensus. The family is a divine creation, before it is a
human institution.
That is why we don’t talk only of making the family
materially well-conditioned. It has to be spiritually healthy and
vibrant where faith, piety, virtues, charity, compassion, mercy, etc.
take precedence over our material needs for food, shelter, clothing,
etc.
Thus, in one of the readings of the Solemnity, we are told
to “put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with
one another and forgiving one another…” (Col 3,12-13)
This fundamental understanding and attitude toward the
family is now increasingly crucial as we are facing more tricky and
complicated challenges and trials that affect the family.
We see rising cases of dysfunctional families, with
marriages defaced by infidelities and unrenewed love and a sense of
commitment unable to “Reset” or “Reboot” when needed, neglect of
children, family life reduced to a minimum, etc.
Recognizing the crisis, the Vatican last year convoked a
synod of bishops to discuss certain issues regarding the family.
In its working paper, called Lineamenta, the bishops were
asked to highlight “the need for mercy in responding to difficult
situations—even asking the bishops to avoid basing their pastoral care
solely on current Catholic doctrine.”
In other words, the bishops were prodded to find other and
newer ways of dealing with the often ugly situations of the family in
the world today, even as fidelity to Christ’s moral teachings has to
be protected.
I remember that the synod stirred up a hornet’s nest that
indicated that the issues were indeed complicated. They required a lot
of prayers, sacrifice, study, consultation, etc., since the demands of
fidelity to the moral doctrine of Christ has to contend with the need
for growth and adaptation of the same faith to the stark realities on
the ground.
Of course, this effort to find newer but faithful ways of
dealing with difficult family issues has to start with empowering the
family, especially the parents, so that it can fulfill all its duties
and responsibilities, especially the most basic ones that are related
more than anything else, to the spiritual life of all members in the
family. This effort cannot do away with this basic necessity of the
family.
This, of course, is not going to be an easy job. We are
aware of the many inadequacies that families now have as well as the
increasing dangerous influences and conditionings that they are
exposed to. But that’s the challenge we just have to face and learn to
resolve.
Obviously parents, especially the young ones and those
whose formation may not have been good, need a lot of help. Catechesis
for them is necessary, but a lot more are needed. It’s good that there
are groups organized by the churches and some private institutions
that try to meet this need, but more groups are needed.
Parents should be encouraged to teach catechism to their
children in ways that would come out natural. They have to learn how
to discern the spiritual development of their children, like how their
children are thinking, desiring, working, or how they are acquiring
virtues, developing concern for others, handling difficulties, or
appreciating the need for prayers, sacrifice, sacraments, etc.
What can help is for parents to consecrate their families
to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, for it’s there where
they aspire to get the necessary guidance for the development of their
own families.
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