Standing on the threshold

When you’re standing on the threshold, about to enter a room you may have a choice. On looking inside if all looks attractive and welcoming you might decide to go in, but if you don’t like what you see and the outside seems more attractive you might choose to stay out. As we enter a new year we don’t have that choice. We have to go with the flow, enter the New Year and make the best of it. .

Making New Year resolutions is almost a religious tradition for some people, even though we are cynically aware that they will be broken pretty soon, some people are disillusioned even before the year starts, some have been hurt and are afraid, some don’t bother. But it is good to do some stock-taking, wave goodbye to what is being left behind, make peace with what still needs to be dealt with, carry with patience and joy what you take with you, and open your arms to embrace what the days ahead will offer.

As together with your families and loved ones you march, dance, sing or stagger into the New Year may it be a safe and happy trip and may you grow in intimacy in your relationships as the Lord uncovers his face to you and you uncover your face to one another.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you

May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you

May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.

This is how they are to call down my name on the sons of Israel and I will bless them.”

From the book of Numbers, 1st reading feast of Mary, Mother of God, January 1.

Toni Rowland

MARFAM NEWS

Thank you for Christmas messages and greetings received.

FUTURE PLANS.

I look forward with great interest to attending the World Meeting of Families in Manila later in January and hope to gather greater insights into family ministry in other parts of the world. This means I shall be away for some weeks.

DEDICATION SUNDAY

At the beginning of the year many parishes have a dedication Sunday when catechists are commissioned. Don’t forget that parents are the first educators and invite them to make a recommitment too. Contact us for more details.

PUBLICATIONS

Producing the next publications, study, widowed ministry and responding to requests already fill up the agenda but I hope that MARFAM’s ministry to families not only in Johannesburg but in other places too will continue to bear fruit.

No 1 2003 issue of Marriage and Family Living will be available from the middle of the month and the Lent and Easter booklet from the middle of February.

Copies of the 2003 Calendar on the theme Stable Families – Stable Society – Stable Environment are still available.

Sanctity of Life Sunday 2 February 2003 promoted by Christian View. See www.christianview.org