Consider this…
We know the Ten Commandments were given by God to Moses. Today in the Gospel Jesus gives a new commandment: Love one another… As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Over the years I have often heard from individuals who are upset that some family members have stopped attending Church and are no longer connected to the Church. This is a very difficult reality for many.
I think the Gospel today gives us some insight about how we can handle this concern in our lives. I think primarily we are called to live as disciples ourselves, by having love for one another. We continue to love these family members who have left their practice of the faith. We can pray for them, invite them to Mass and Church events, and we can live our faith the best way that we can. Hopefully in these ways we can make a difference. Ultimately, the faith lives of our loved ones are in the hands of God, and this can be our consolation, hope, and peace.
Today I would also like to recognize and appreciate family relationships. Though no family is perfect, and we all have had challenges, I would like to encourage us all to enjoy family life. There are always things to celebrate as a family in our lives—First Communions, Confirmations, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Fourth of July, and other holidays. Let us recommit ourselves to celebrating life on different occasions when we can get together, with family, and just enjoy being together. Jesus tells us to love one another. We can start with our family, by looking for occasions to get together and celebrate.
“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the action that we do. If you want to bring happiness to the world, go home and love your family.”-St. Teresa of Calcutta
God bless,
Fr. Ryan