“Repent – Refocus on Family”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
My Friends,
Today’s gospel has me thinking about family. I guess it should, it’s all about our Lord’s genealogy; which is actually in the essence of our spiritual life, our Spiritual Genealogy. Many of us are moms and dads, I realize many aren’t; keep in mind that this reflection will help all of us reflect in our own lives, with or without children, with or without a spouse. A good way to start is with this thought: As a family member, how many times have you said or done something that offended or worse, hurt someone else in your family horribly? What did you do about it? Did you fix it? Did you apologize? Or did you do it again to that same person? We have all been in that predicament indeed. You know what’s coming, it’s time to REPENT and think about what we say to each other, and how we treat each other.
There is something missing in today’s family, what is it? I think its loyalty, unconditional love and commitment to name a few. The lack of respect for one another is astonishing. No, I’m not talking about your family or even mine; rather I am going to suggest we generally focus on caring for each other more. The simplest way I have found that this become almost natural is this: Always place others wants, needs and desires before your own. I didn’t think it would be easy, it’s just really important that we do. There is no place for selfishness or empty conceit, not in a healthy family. Families need healing in today’s world, and we can do it.
Many of us deal with our own brokenness every day; sometimes that brokenness is rooted in family issues that need to be addressed. The first big step to help direct us in the right direction would be to seriously REPENT. To start with let us open our hearts before Jesus asking for forgiveness followed by fixing our relationship with that loved one. We are wounded inside, torn, shredded and wondering aimlessly trying to find out what is wrong; when all that we must do is mend our hearts together in unity with those we love. Are there issues with our parents? Our siblings? Our cousins? Begin with loving them like never before, unconditionally, that is the key. If you love someone with a list of do’s and don’ts and a list of complaints forget it. This journey to healing must be open, honest and caring. First clean your heart and make yourself spiritually right with God, and then ask for His guidance before you speak with your loved one. He will guide your heart. I hope and pray that this insightful reflection helps you get closer with your family, so that you may- Refocus on Family…
“Jesus, I Trust in You.”
Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
