23 / 06 / 2021
Family brings out the worst in you (so that God can heal it)
“Family brings out the worst in you.” Amen Fr. Mike. Just this week an incident happened and I ended up shouting at my brother and finding myself extremely angry with him. I was shocked, embarrassed and ashamed by how angry I was with him.
Two takeaways really struck me from the video:
1) the people around us/circumstances don’t make us unholy, they simply reveal what was already there.
2) God gave us our families to teach us love.
I know that God is revealing to me the anger and impatience that’s still within me, rooted in hurts and unforgiveness that I still need His help with. To let go and to be transformed. I know He’s calling me to forgive and be more patient and He’s here to help me do it.
Jesus is especially present in our families because it is especially in our families where He teaches us love, which is the heart of God.
While my family is imperfect and often gets on my nerves or scolds me for things (which actually I can improve on though I often argue otherwise), God is present in them in so many ways. They are his gift to me. Jesus is especially present in our families also because it is especially in our families where He teaches us love, which is the heart of God. To receive love and to love. Each act of love I’m called to receive and each moment I am called to love no matter how difficult (perhaps especially when it is a difficult family member) is a lesson and divine encounter with Jesus. Of course, together with all the annoying times there are also the funny and good moments. And the acts of love they perform for me.
Reflection Questions:
What is one thing to be thankful in each member of your family?
Ask God to show you an incident this week which has revealed an area of growth for you. Thank God for your family, offer the area of growth to Him and ask Him what to do.
Sometimes it’s easy. Sometime’s really quite difficult. But Jesus is present and He’s here to guide and teach us to find Him in our family (and each family member). What will you choose?