11 Oct 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Be joyful, encourage one another, have the same sentiments. In this time in which families suffer in particular the discomforts due to the pandemic, everyone can draw on fraternal communion, hope and strength to go forward. The resumption of the school year will be experienced by all with a great sense of responsibility, in the perspective of a renewed educational pact, which sees families as protagonists and places the people of boys and girls at the center: their healthy, well-formed and sociable growth is a condition for a peaceful and prosperous future for the whole of society…invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary, so that Christian families continue to form that great river that spreads life, faith, hope and love. in the people of God and in society as a whole.” — Pope Francis
FROM YOUR PASTOR
MARRIGE and FAMILIES…Victims or Victors of the Pandemic?
In the Incarnation God sent his Son into the Family of Mary and Joseph. Underlying their Divine Relationship was Unconditional Love, Harmony, and Mutual Respect bound together by the virtues of Humility, Trust, and Obedience to the Will of God For Their Marriage and their Family.
And so it is today…Bound Sacramentally, Civilly, or simply by Blood, a FAMILY is created at the MOMENT OF CONCEPTION regardless of whether it is actualized in daily life. The Sanctity of Marriage and of the Family are Divine Institutions.
Marriage and Family are under attack in Today’s Culture and Society. The Pandemic, with its Uncertainty and Isolation, is adding tension to an already fragile Family System — no matter how you define that family to be. The Collateral Damage of the Pandemic is the Spiritual, Emotional, Psychological, Physical, or Financial well-being of Parents and their Children.
A survey in August indicated that 30 Percent of Families in Colorado do not have enough FOOD since the Pandemic began. It also indicated that 40 Percent of Households in Colorado have experienced a reduction in INCOME since the Pandemic began.
For you and me, it means that we need to Snap Into Action!
Support your local PANTRY and those organizations that provide FOOD AND MEALS DAILY. Support the local St Vincent de Paul Organization who PAY BILLS, PROVIDES RENT ASSISTANCE, or BUYS A BUS TICKET HOME. Support Catholic Charities and other organizations who PROVIDE SHELTERS AND HOUSING. Support Local Governments in acquiring more HOTEL ROOMS AND VOUCHERS for those who want to move off the streets.
WHY? Families face eviction. Working professionals live in cars because their income cannot accommodate a car payment and rent. One generation in a family is raising or caring for the other generation. And minors are caring for their siblings.
The Artificial Environment of the Pandemic with school closures, racial injustice, wildfires, world tensions, household finances, and elections can lead PARENTS TO ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION. And it can lead to CHILDREN TRYING TO COPE in ways that can affect their own emotional and social development.
So, how do we deal with this UNCERTAINTY ?
First, we TURN TO THE HOLY FAMILY. In each of their challenges, they TURNED TO GOD, and not from Him…even while experiencing what you are experiencing now. There is a SPECIAL MESSAGE, NOT A UNIQUE PUNISHMENT, for each of us in this Pandemic. Our Prayer is for that INSIGHT and CONSOLATION.
Second, we must be AUTHENTIC IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS in an age appropriate manner. How And What We Feel Form Us…and DENYING and REPRESSING those feelings only exaggerate the outcome when they are ultimately revealed. Children sense the STRUGGLES of their parents…but there is a difference between INDULGING their concerns and PROTECTING them from their fears.
Third, we must RECHARGE AND RESET. Sometimes this is Quiet Time. Sometines this is Exercise and the Outdoors. Sometimes it is a Fast from Social Media. Sometimes it is a Friends Night. Sometimes it is community Volunteering, Helping an elderly neighbor, or Assisting a single parent with a special needs child. Sometimes it is a Spiritual Retreat for an afternoon or a weekend. Sometimes it is Family Fun Night with games and crafts.
And sometimes we just need to check in with Jesus…Telling Him We Love Him and We Trust Him. Then We Win, Our Marriage Wins, Our Family Wins…and the Pandemic Loses…
+May God Bless You And Keep You+