May 30-June 1: Jubilee if Families, children, grandparents, and elderly

In anticipation of the Jubilee of Families,
Children, Grandparents and the Elderly, set within a yearlong celebration of hope, we remember the words of Pope Francis to families in his exhortation, Amoris Laetitia (AL):

The incarnation of the Word in a human family, in Nazareth, by its very newness changed the history of the world. We need to enter into the mystery of Jesus’ birth, into that “yes” given by Mary to the message of the angel, when the Word was conceived in her womb, as well as the “yes” of Joseph, who gave a name to Jesus and watched over Mary. (Amoris Laetitia, no. 65)

When the Word was made flesh, the greatest gift of Hope was delivered to the human race. The story of Christ’s birth is retold every year to remind us of this long-awaited gift that arrived in the form of a child. Every family experiences a similar moment of untold joy and hope with a child’s arrival.

The joy of love in families is rooted in hope despite the challenges and trials that life presents us. The letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians reminds us that love hopes all things (1 Cor 13:4-7). It does not despair of the future. In fact, every family is a symbol of hope for future generations.

Love, especially familial love, is rooted in the abiding promise of the Christ Child who came to renew all things and bring us everlasting peace. For this reason, despite the various trials, challenges, and sufferings--whether hidden or revealed--which every family experiences, Christian hope endures. Many families demonstrate a strong sense of calling to bear their crosses with decisive hope. It is a tremendous testimony to see how God can use all things for the good of those who love Him. At the same time, supporting families in their time of great need is a powerful form of Christian witness that families can offer one another.

As Christians, we live in the present moment, fully immersed in the time that is, while fully aware of the time that is coming in which our hopes will be fulfilled. “Hope also bids us live fully in the present, giving our all to the life of the family, for the best way to prepare a solid future is to live well in the present.” (AL, n. 219)

During this time of Jubilee, we are reminded to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Pet. 3:15) and to share it without fear in the face of adversity or trial because our source of Hope is everlasting.

May your pilgrim journey renew your hope as a family and strengthen your commitment to bear witness to the source of hope within you. May Christ, our Hope bless you and your families!

Prayers

Prayer for Married Couples

Almighty and eternal God, You blessed the union of married couples so that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church: look with kindness on them. Renew their marriage covenant, increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace so that, with their children, they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Copyright © 2008, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Adapted from excerpt from the English translation of Book of Blessings © 1988, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.)