Today, we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family at St. Peter's Parish, Haverstraw, N.Y. a reminder of the beauty, strength, and hope that family life can bring.
The first reading was taken from the Old Testament book of Samuel, recounting the story of Hannah. Unable to bear a child, she fervently prayed to God, promising to dedicate her child to His service if her prayers were answered. When her son Samuel was born, she fulfilled her vow, offering him to serve God.
Hannah’s story resonates deeply, particularly in cultures where infertility brings shame and pain to women and their families. Her faith and perseverance remind us that no matter how difficult our struggles, we must turn to God in prayer, trusting that He hears us and will answer in His time.
We all come from families, and for most of us, life begins at home. A strong, stable, and united family is a foundation of joy and resilience. However, in today’s world, maintaining such a family can be a challenge. This is why the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, offers us a model of love, unity, and faith. While no earthly family is perfect, the Holy Family serves as our hope and inspiration for creating stronger bonds within our own homes.
As we prepare for the Jubilee Year of 2025, proclaimed by the Holy Father, Pope Francis-"Pilgrims of Hope", let us renew our hope in the power of family. It doesn’t matter what imperfections we face or what challenges we lack the resources to overcome—if Christ is present in our homes, He can transform them.
So today, as we reflect on the Feast of the Holy Family, let’s return to our families with love and faith, striving to nurture the same unity and devotion that we celebrate in the Holy Family.
God bless you,
Pal Ronnie
Ron, thanks for sharing. God bless you 🙏
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Thank you for stopping by and reading it.
ReplyDelete