Life and faith
On Oct. 4, 2015, Pope Francis opened the Synod on the Family at the Vatican. Prior to this, many in the media have been reporting that the Pope would be making changes in the future when it comes to church teaching on marriage and other moral issues.
Pope Francis, in unplanned remarks to 279 bishops, archbishops, cardinals and 39 non-voting delegates, said that church teaching on the indissolubility of marriage “has not been touched or put into question,” related a Vatican spokesman.
Pope Francis reminded those in attendance that the synod is about the Holy Spirit as they discuss family issues. The Pope also commented in opening remarks that the synod is “not a parliament where participants negotiate or lobby.” He said the synod is a place where delegates remaining faithful to church doctrine speak openly and listen to others.
The family is where we are first formed. From the moment of our birth we are influenced either in a positive or negative way. God’s plan for marriage is between a man and woman. God willing, from that union, children are born.
The Second Vatican Council, in the document Lumen Gentium, calls the family a domestic church as it states, “In what might be regarded as the domestic church, the parents are to be the first preachers of the faith for their children by word and example.” That is a commitment made by parents as they bring their children to receive the sacrament of baptism.
As a priest I have many friends with families. My vocation is fed and nurtured as I spend time with them. I am told that my vocation does the same for the families I spend time with socially.
My experience so far with families has proven to inspire me. These friendships have reminded me how important the family is for society and my own vocation as a Catholic priest. From these families I feel the call to be a better person and priest. Love and friendship that is found in families should go beyond the family and touch other people around them.
Real and true love can only come from God. That love is not just meant for a family, it should inspire others beyond the family. This will ensure that the body of Christ, the church, will be built up.
As a priest serving in parish life, I also know that many families are struggling. Some are experiencing financial struggles, sickness, relationships are strained and unfortunately families are split as a result of separation or divorce. Where there are children involved there can be greater sadness because they have lost the stability they once had as a family.
Personally I pray for all families, but especially those who are having a more difficult time.
The late Pope John Paul II in his letter to families said, “Consider the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, who for 30 years in Nazareth lived out these hidden years in an atmosphere of love while carrying out the nitty gritty duties of each day. Can we understand and appreciate how their hidden faithfulness was being used by God to bless their neighbours and in fact the whole world? God has his ways and his timing to use our faithfulness to fulfil his will for the world.”