Archives
March 25, 2010
The Mysteries of Light
The Baptism in the Jordan
The Wedding at Cana
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
The Transfiguration
The Institution of the Eucharist
FAMILIES
Let us pray, for all families that they will share prayer together, especially the Rosary.
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Mt 3:17
The Baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of his ministry, and his ministry was service to others. As he would say later, “I came not to be served but to serve.” As family we are called to serve each other and thus to achieve holiness. As Jesus was called to serve and to seek justice so too are we called. From our service to family we gain the strength, love and support to extend ourselves to serve our community and the world.
Our heavenly Father will be well pleased with us in our service to others.
II. THE WEDDING AT CANA
“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee and the Mother of Jesus was there.” Jn 2:1-12
The fact that Jesus first revealed his power and purpose at a wedding has to be significant. It has to mean that marriage and family life are of primary concern to God. It has to mean that the work of healing and restoration begins with the marriage relationship and continues in the family. The quality of the family life depends upon how well family members relate to one another.
The small ways in which we relate to one another can do much to change the water of life into wine.
III. THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit…’” Jn 20:22-23
At the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes as a dove and signals the new spiritual beginning made possible by Jesus Christ. After the Resurrection Jesus breathes on the Apostles telling them to receive the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost the Spirit appears as tongues of fire.
As a dove, breath of God, fire, wind, the Spirit appears. May we feel the loving energy and presence of the Spirit in our family. May we especially experience it in our moments of forgiveness and reconciliation and new beginnings.
IV. THE TRANSFIGURATION
"While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.” Lk 9:29
The symbol of light is associated with Jesus throughout the liturgical year. He is called the Rising Sun, the Star of Morning and the Radiant One. In the Transfiguration Jesus is no longer represented as a symbol of light. Here we see him as THE LIGHT. No lights are needed to illumine his way, for he is the light, unfading, unfailing, undying.
Ask Jesus to light up our eyes and our ears, our hearts and minds that we might appreciate, in new light, our family. What can we see that is special about mother, father, sister, brother, and the elders in the family.
V. THE INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST
“He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.” Jn 13:1b
Everything about the institution of the Eucharist speaks to us about self-giving and service. Jesus breaks the bread which is his body and shares it with his friends. After he had washed the Apostles’ feet, another sign giving in service to others, he put his cloak back on and reclined at table once more.
The table, the bread, the food prepared and eaten, the basins, the towels, the family members in need of our love and service, these are all reminders of the Eucharist. After Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles he said to them: “Do you understand what I just did for you?”