Sunday 4^th October- 27^th Sunday of the year

Reflection: Hebrews 2: 9-11

THE FAMILY OF GOD

Through our baptism, we have become Christ’s brothers and sisters and children of our heavenly Father. Thus, we are part of the family of God. However, the sanctification of this family of God to which we belong depends largely on the sanctification of our individual families – the domestic church. The love and respect that exists in our own families is the love and respect we give to God’s own family of which Christ has made us members:“He purifies people from their sins, and both he and those who are made pure all have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his family”. (Heb 2:11)

Today’s first reading highlights sacredness of marriage as intended by God; the sacredness Jesus re-affirms in the gospel reading as He refers His listeners back to the original purpose of God for marriage. Do our families reflect God’s original intention? These practical steps can help in living out God’s intention for our families:

• Share the word of God and pray together; a family that prays together stays together.
• Love and tolerate one another and live in unity. As long as we love one another, God will live in us and his love will be complete in us (1 Jn 4:12).
• Always be conscious of your family as a domestic church and God’s presence in your home. You can have a little altar in the home around which you pray as a family.

This are all means by which we unite our families to that of God praying all over the world. Your little efforts today can help sanctify your family and the family of God!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, sanctify our families the domestic church that they may truly lead to a greater love, respect and unity in your Church. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 373 – How should a family live its faith together?

A Christian family should be a miniature church. All Christian family members are invited to strengthen one another in faith and to outdo one another in their zeal for God. They should pray for and with each other and collaborate in works of charity.

HIDE A TREASURE:  “No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:12 RSV-CE

Today’s readings: Genesis 2:18-24; Ps 128: 1-5; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16