Thought for a Sunday

“You don’t choose your family.
They are God’s gift to you.” Desmond Tutu.

St Paul recognises that the natural dynamics of family life provide many challenges, and it is not just the youngsters who can be the cause of stress, so he gives advice to the whole family. “Bear with one another”, he says. Obedience in family life can mean just that. Being faithful. It’s about being loyal to a person’s potential, and helping them to become the person God wills them to be. Obedience means walking with our family members, even when they’re veering slightly off the map.

Dear God,
Help me to follow the example of the Holy Family,
and to remember that all families are holy – and human.
Help me to stop trying to be perfect,
and to accept my inadequacies,
so that I can create a peaceful and happy home.
Amen.

"When I was visiting London for the day and had a bit of extra time to kill I would drop by the National Gallery to see this picture. It's very large and this little reproduction doesn't do it justice. I love the way the composition shows how the Holy Family reflects the Holiest Family of the Holy Trinity. Then how St Joseph gazes at us to challenge us fathers to reproduce the Holy Family and therefore the life of the Trinity within our own homes." Fr Dwight Longenecker

Peace and Joy, Ros

The prayer and reflection (in blue) was given to me by my lovely friend Maureen, and it was too good not to share. I hope she forgives me for the little animation I added at the top!