2008 FAMILY LIFE CALENDAR REFLECTIONS

THEME “ME AND MY FAMILY”

JULY THEME : ME AND MY EXTENDED FAMILY

INTRODUCTION

Mother-in-law jokes are often nasty and unfair. In some cultures mother-in-law still plays an important role in teaching a young bride the family ways but there may be conflict between them too. All the members of the extended family, especially grandparents, are a valuable resource in family life. It is said, "You can choose your friends, but not your family."  It is also said, “You hurt the most those you love the most.” In spite of problems the natural family bonds most often remain very strong. Families stand together and lend support to one another. At the same time they also sometimes use and abuse one another. Examples of both realities are:  financial support to siblings is given or alternatively expected, fostering of orphans or alternatively abuse of girls.    

What are your relationships within the extended family?  Do you feel used or value the support given when in need? Reflect, share, discuss and pray about this.
Note:  As from 29th June we begin to celebrate the Year of St Paul, there will be a greater focus on the 2nd reading when it is taken from Paul’s letters. 

3rd St Thomas.
St Thomas, the sceptic must always be a family favourite, because doesn’t every family have someone who always has to ask “why?” before he or she is prepared to accept anything. Maybe it is good sometime to ask ourselves and discuss with one another why is my extended family important and which members matter the most?  

6th 14th Sunday. The Lord is kind and full of compassion.  
Qualities of humility, kindness, gentleness and concern for those who are burdened are brought out in the 1st reading and the Gospel.  St Paul in the 2nd reading calls on us to live good spiritual lives, surely these are the same qualities.  Whoever we are, how are we treating the members of our extended family?  Are we compassionate yet just?  

13th 15th Sunday.  Christ the Sower. 
Sowing, caring for and reaping are very much part of family life, done by parents and grandparents and also quite often by others in the extended family. Consider who has been of special help in your life and say thank you to them and to God for making them part of your life.  

20th 16th Sunday.    The Lord, our merciful Judge. 
God does not only judge fairly he also judges mercifully that means he is also willing to forgive.  In our bigger families there are often fights and disagreements and often we would like to make peace but find it difficult. St Paul tells us that the Spirit helps us to pray.  Invite the Spirit to pray in you that you may be willing and able to forgive one another and be at peace. 

22nd St Mary Magdalene.
There are different stories about Mary Magdalene but all we really know from the gospels is that she was a sinner who asked Jesus for forgiveness. We are all sinners on the way to forgiveness over and over again.  Ask God for strength to keep on trying. 

26th St Joachim and St Anne. 
The grandparents of Jesus were no doubt very special people in his life. Make a special effort this weekend to remember them, to tell them and show them you love them and are grateful for what they have done for you.

27th 17th Sunday.  The treasure we have found.  
St Paul tells us that God cooperates with those who love him and turns everything to their good.  Do we really believe that God is our treasure, and that he cares for us?  Think about and share with your family some special ways in which God has done this.  

29th St Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary was the hardworking one who was in the kitchen preparing a meal for Jesus while her sister sat at Jesus’ feet listening to him.  What kind of person are you, the worker or the listener or maybe a bit of both?