2008 FAMILY LIFE CALENDAR REFLECTIONS

THEME “ME AND MY FAMILY”

NOVEMBER THEME: “ME AND LOSS”

INTRODUCTION

During November we traditionally remember those who have died, but we can focus on the whole topic of loss. Those who are left bereaved suffer a major loss and of course right from our very beginnings we learn how to cope with losses of all kinds, large and small. Losing a toy, a friend, a pet or a parent or spouse, or one’s health, all cause us grief. Learning to cope with loss includes handling the feelings associated with loss and the appropriate reactions, including anger, guilt, grieving and finally acceptance.  Loss of hope and meaning in life can be a result of family conflict and also result in many kinds of anti-social or suicidal behaviour.  Throwing a tantrum, literally or figuratively, is more OK for a little child when a toy is lost then for a teenager at the loss of a friend or even a parent due to divorce, or when an adult loses a job. Giving assistance to help to cope with losses is a valuable part of ministry to family members.    
Consider some losses you have experienced?  How did you cope?  How are you able to help others cope with their losses?  Reflect, share, discuss and pray about this.

1st National Children’s Day.  Some people say that every day is children’s day and that is true but it is good to spend a little time focusing especially on all the children of South Africa, the special gift they are.  Everyone suffers loss in their lives but it is especially sad for children who find it hard to understand.   

2nd All Saints (Sunday) .    In this great feast we celebrate the victory of our God in the company of all those who have been redeemed and chosen to follow him to the heavenly kingdom.   We celebrate with all the saints and consider our call to become saints too.  The beatitudes show us the way to sainthood.  Think of ways we live those beatitudes in our families. 

3rd Commemoration of the Faithful Departed.  As Catholic Christians we believe in life after death, in eternal punishment when someone finally rejects God and in eternal reward for those who have followed his way. On this day we think especially about the need for purification of those who have died and offer our own prayers for this.  

9th 32rd Sunday Year A.  The Bridegroom is Here!  Jesus is the bridegroom, described as Wisdom in the first reading.  Paul brings word of encouragement and hope to those who are grieving and claims that they will rise again as Jesus has.  Grief, mourning and sadness  are natural when one experiences loss but hope enables one  eventually to pick up the pieces of life.

16th 33rd Sunday Year A.  Christ the Head of His Household.   The Church, Christ’s family, is like an earthly family with a good wife, devoted sons and faithful servants.   The parable of the talents challenges us not only to hold on to our talents but to help them grow.  Paul adds his contribution warning us to be prepared and not to let the day of judgement overtake us like a thief in the night. 

23rd Christ the King A.   Jesus is a royal shepherd king, one who knows and cares for his sheep as all human rulers should do.   Paul tells us that Jesus Christ will be ruler over all.  In Matthew’s account of the final judgement we will all be judged on how we have cared for one another, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and those in prison. This should be applied to our own “least” as well as to others. 

30th Advent 1. Year B.  Waiting for the Lord.   Jesus warned his disciples and warns us too to “stay awake” because we do not know when our time will come to be called by God, or be asked to be accountable.  “Live each day as if it were your last,” is a good piece of advice.   As holiday time approaches pray for safe travelling and also that those who may die on our roads will be ready to meet God.   At the beginning of Advent and the holiday madness aim to be responsible in such things as drinking and driving.