The Family is the most important institution in the world. It is the Building Block of Society. A family is important and to belong to a family is even more important. The Church reverences the Family. It links family life with Eternal life. The Family paves the way to Eternal Life – life after Death; the salvation of our soul. St. John Paul II said, “A family is a little church”. It is the place where people learn to discern and accept their mission from God, with the support and love of the other members.
The Home is a basic unit. Within the family, Values are instituted, Integrity is born, character is moulded and attitudes are formed that last a lifetime. A person’s Virtues & good habits bring love and peace to the home; whereas vices & bad habits can disrupt the peace of the home.
Home is the starting place of life and love. A family strong in Faith, that comes together to pray every day, that obeys God’s commandments, frequents the sacraments, practices disciplines, generosity and sacrifice can experience a foretaste of HEAVEN.
Whereas a family that does not make time for prayer, the word of God or receive the Sacraments frequently, has a Faith that is weak or even non – existent. It is a household that becomes a living HELL.
For this reason Family Life is important. It paves the way to eternal life. Ultimately one thing that matters is the Salvation of our soul – our life after death – either in HEAVEN or in HELL, for all eternity. Everything in this life is directed by the Church towards the salvation of our soul. This is the only one thing necessary in life. As it is famously said, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his immortal soul”. Jesus came down to earth, suffered grievously, was nailed to the cross and died on it and rose again, for the salvation of our soul and to take us back to God the Father. We need to share in this mission of Jesus, by making our homes Holy.
There is a satanic attack on the Family today. We and our children have laptop and mobile that can answer any query or problem put to it. Yet today we are more unhappy, broken & hurt than we have ever been. We who are from the 90’s, when growing up, at least one parent was at home. We could watch them, their work, their behaviour, their attitudes, relationships with each other and with friends and neighbours. Today, in order to make a living and give children the best, both parents go out to work. Children never see either of them doing their jobs or become part of it. Parents need to set a good example to their children, making time for the Rosary, Bible Reading and sharing, and encourage participation in Church activities. We have not taken the Word of God into account. God had laid down Laws & Commandments for peace and happiness in homes, but we have broken them, thinking we can do things our way. We have failed miserably.
Let us take up our Bible and build our lives on this book – THE WORD OF GOD! God is interested in your family, your marriage, your children. He says in Jeremiah 29:12-14, “When you call on me I will listen, you will seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart – I will let myself be found by you.” God is faithful to His Promises – every single one mentioned in the Bible.
Have you committed your family members to Jesus? Do you gather together for the Angelus, the Rosary, Bible Reading & Sharing? Do you take your children to church every Sunday, so that every member of your family knows Jesus Christ and loves the Word of God?
Three persons make up a marriage – the husband, wife and Jesus Christ. Be sure Jesus is in your marriage. God wants marriages to be permanent – “until death do us apart?” A family is a Haven when the husband – wife relationship is Jesus – centered, children seeing the love between the parents, feel safe secure and obedience is always the outcome. There is no problem you face that cannot be solved by Jesus. Turn your life over to Jesus Christ. Let Him come into your heart, into your life and help you. Let the love of Jesus dominate your family and relationships within your family and you will have a blessed and peaceful home. The Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph was Holy because Jesus was in it. It is a shining example to imitate in practicing the virtues of family life and one day delight in entering the kingdom of God.
Pope Francis says, “Family love is a personal path of holiness for each of us”. May Love & Holiness dwell in your homes always.
– J. Rodrigues