2009 FAMILY LIFE CALENDAR REFLECTIONS

THEME: MARRIAGE AND FAMILY GROWING TOGETHER

JULY THEME: FAMILIES GROWING BIGGER AND OLDER

INTRODUCTION
For many cultures family life is not just about father, mother and children but also about the older generations, uncles, aunts, siblings and their children forming a large and diverse unit with needs and demands that bring many challenges.  Grandparents care for grandchildren as they themselves are growing older. Communication and appreciation for what is being done are essential for harmony and growth as an extended family. How can you show your appreciation to each other?

5th  14th Sunday of Year B.  The Church as prophet of God. Because the people in his village did not accept him Jesus was unable to perform miracles there.  In our society today standing up for marriage, striving to build a family of whatever kind or shape on a foundation of positive family values is also a prophetic act.  Such acts point the way to God's ultimate plan.

6th St Maria Goretti.  This young girl saint and martyr was murdered as she tried to defend herself against her attacker who threatened to rape her. She refused to submit to the young man whom she knew.  She is a model for all young people, girls and boys, who wish to preserve their virginity and practice chastity before marriage.

12th 15th Sunday of Year B. The Missionary Church.   “the Church exists to evangelise” is becoming a common saying. It is the Church with Jesus as its head as we read over the next weekends in the letter to the Ephesians.  Jesus is the head too, of the domestic church and the third partner in a marriage of believers.  All believers are called to become missionaries.  The gospel tells us that the disciples were sent out in pairs. In a unique way that could speak to us about marriage. 

19th 16th Sunday of Year B. The Good Shepherd.  Mark tells us that the crowds were like sheep without a shepherd and Jesus took pity on them.  The other readings also speak of a kind of shepherd,  one who brings peace and integrity and breaks down barriers between people. Pray that this Good Shepherd will break down barriers in families, between couples and particularly between different generations. 

22nd St Mary Magdalene.   Despite what different gospels write we believe that Mary Magdalene was a sinner who repented. After Jesus forgave her sins she became one of his most faithful followers.  Her very real human qualities and her willingness to repent and change her ways are a special example to us in our families.

26th 17th Sunday of Year B. St Joachim and St Anne, grandparents of Jesus.  Christ who feeds us.   The stories of the multiplication of food are complemented with the passage in Ephesians where Paul tells us of the qualities that feed our relationships at all levels within our families. Selflessness, gentleness and patience are needed to build unity as couples and members of extended families.   St Joachim and St Ann are held up to us as model grandparents. Pray for their intercession. 

29th St Martha, with her sister and brother Lazarus were close friends of Jesus.  Martha was the housekeeper in the family and prepared food while Mary sat and listened to Jesus. We might feel saddened by Jesus' saying Mary, had the best part but also recognize that a balance is necessary and we each have a role to play and a gift for that role.  Grandparents often would prefer to sit and relax and yet they are obliged to help to look after grandchildren.