The Family is the Future of the Church

10-04-2015Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Brothers and Sisters,

Let us all continue to listen and learn from Pope Francis’ talk on the Family in Philadelphia. His message of love says, “The Family is the “Future of the Church.””

Once again, Pope Francis ventured out of his prepared speech - to preach about “The Family,” locally, pastor-style, at a level that everyone can understand. “The Families’ identity cards came from God,” he said. They have a “citizenship, which is divine” and are the highest expression of God’s love. Pope Francis emphasized the virtue of love within the family, and the future of the family.

In explaining this, Pope Francis simply presented the historical/scriptural basis, when God decided to come to us; He came to a family and dwell in a family: “So great was his love, that he began to walk with humanity, with his people, until the right moment came and he made the highest expression of love: his own Son.

And where did he send his son? To a palace? A city? No, he sent him to a family. God sent him amid a family, in a family!

And he could do this because it was a family that had a truly open heart. The doors of their heart were open. Think of Mary – she couldn’t believe it! How can this happen. But when they explained it to her … she agreed. Think of Joseph – he finds himself in a surprising situation he doesn’t understand, and yet he accepts, he obeys.

You know what God loves most? To knock on the door of families and to find the families who love each other – families who bring up their children to grow and to move forward. Who create, who develop a society of truth, goodness and beauty.”

As for Grandparents and children, Pope Francis said: “There are some things we really need to take care of: the children, and grandparents. Children, whether they are young or older, they are the strength that moves us forward. We place our hope in them.

Grandparents are the living memory of the family. They passed on the faith; they transmitted the faith, to us. To look after grandparents, children, is the expression of love. A people who do not care for its children or grandparents are a people that have no future because it doesn’t have the strength or the memory to go forward.”

“Families have a citizenship which is divine.” The identity card they have is given to them by God. So that within the heart of the family, truth, goodness and beauty may truly grow.

In that same talk, the Pope showed also his very light side which often people do not know, his great sense of humor, he his truly grounded with everyday life… “Some of you might say “Of course, father, you speak like that because you’re not married!” “Families have difficulties – in families, we quarrel! And sometimes plates can fly. Children can bring headaches – and I won’t speak about mothers in law!

Jesus in our Gospel this Sunday did affirm the institution of the family, the importance of the father and the mother being one, one with God, and children as the simplest model of Christian Discipleship, “Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” (Mk. 10:15)

Be in God,
Fr. Bing

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