2008 FAMILY LIFE CALENDAR REFLECTIONS

THEME “ME AND MY FAMILY”

JANUARY THEME:  ME AND BEGINNINGS

Physically we all began in the same way and were born to a mother, into a family. Of course there is a father too but fathers are not always present and some children right up into adulthood don't know their biological fathers. Socially and culturally this has implications. 
An infant comes into this world totally helpless and is dependent on the loving care, ideally of its parents, or of other caregivers, to grow and develop its potential. Families are the primary educators. At birth a child is welcomed into its personal family; at baptism into the faith family.
Responsible parenthood in the broadest sense is the Church's stance, but too many babies are conceived irresponsibly while some couples experience infertility.  Every child, with or without disabilities is a gift and is to be welcomed into the human family.   
For reflection and sharing:  How do you fit into your own personal family?  What is your attitude and practice with regard to children and responsible parenthood?   Reflect, share, discuss and pray about this.

January 1, New Year's Day to January 6, the Epiphany, are part of the Christmas season and were also incorporated into the booklet 'Have you met my friend Jesus” where children were introduced to some child saints e.g. St Dominic Savio, Maria Goretti, the children from Fatima and St Charles Lwanga and St Kizito.

1st. New Year's Day.

Mary, Mother of God. There are a number of references to “when the time came”, “at the beginning of our salvation” in celebrating this day which can be seen as a new beginning for all of us. Pray the blessing prayer from the 1st reading as most appropriate for this time:  

“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.”

Invite Mary, the Mother of Jesus and a model for all mothers and families to pray with us and share in this blessing.  

6th Epiphany. The Revelation of Christ to the World.

Jesus is revealed as saviour of all mankind, as a light shining in the darkness not only for Catholics or Christians. Discuss how these words of the solemn blessing can be applied in your family. “May he make you a light to all your sisters and brothers.” What values and practices towards living a responsible and committed life can be applied? 

13th Baptism of the Lord. 

Jesus did not need to be baptized in order to be cleansed from sin. At his baptism he was anointed to bring healing and peace to all nations.  At birth we become part of our particular family, at baptism of our faith family.  That is where each of us receives a calling to participate in this mission of Jesus. We first have to experience the sense of belonging that comes from being “family.” Whatever our age or situation pray for increased awareness of and willingness to respond to this important calling to belong to one another in our families and the wider community. 

20th  2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A.

Isaiah speaks of the Servant of the Lord and writes, ”The Lord formed me in the womb to be his servant”. It is good to remember that a man and a woman are co-creators with God, but human beings are conceived and formed according to God's will and not just at our own whims.  Thank God for the gift of fertility and pray for those couples who experience infertility.  

27th  3rd Sunday of the Year A 

Jesus, the Light of the World.  How is Jesus the light of the world?

In scripture darkness is symbolic of evil, sin and death, and light of goodness and salvation. Jesus preached the message, ”repent for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” Responsible parenthood involves various moral choices, from sexual behaviour to what is best for a child by way of education. Discuss these issues in the family as appropriate.