This Christmas season, we attended several masses celebrated by Fr. Martin within just a few days. Christmas season is really very demanding on priests because they have to think up different topics to talk about in the homily. Today, the theme is family. So, Fr. Martin humbly declined the leading role in the homily. Instead, he invited a young couple to share their views on family life with the congregation. The couple was very humble in admitting that they still had to learn from many of couples present.
Ray and Vonnie have been married for roughly 2 years. Vonnie is 8 months into her pregnancy. They are so happy and so sweet. Both of them are working and will be very tired after work. Despite this, Ray will cook when he returns first. He does not take advantage of the traditional mindset, thinking that a woman's place is the kitchen. He does not mind cooking and is happy that Vonnie appreciates the dishes he makes.
They are not immune to arguments, but they know when they should stop arguing and start listening. There have been problems beyond their capabilities to handle. They pray together. Vonnie is more vocal and articulate in expressing her thoughts and feelings about their family life. Ray looks very protective, especially because Vonnie is pregnant. However, something was missing from their sharings. They did not mention the relationships with the in-laws. Anyway, I am grateful for their candid sharing and here I pray for their marriage and their baby. May their marriage grow sweeter day by day and their baby healthy and intelligent.
They are not immune to arguments, but they know when they should stop arguing and start listening. There have been problems beyond their capabilities to handle. They pray together. Vonnie is more vocal and articulate in expressing her thoughts and feelings about their family life. Ray looks very protective, especially because Vonnie is pregnant. However, something was missing from their sharings. They did not mention the relationships with the in-laws. Anyway, I am grateful for their candid sharing and here I pray for their marriage and their baby. May their marriage grow sweeter day by day and their baby healthy and intelligent.
It was Fr. Martin's turn to speak. He told us that in preparing for Sunday homilies, he usually prays. But this time, he could not help laughing when he was meditating the following verses.
And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."
And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:48-19)
In his prayerful mind, he would envision a youngster returning home in the small hours after Christmas Eve celebration. His mother would probably jump out of bed, telling her son off with Mary's words. Then, the young man would retort, repeating words similar to the 12-year-old Jesus'.
Fr. Martin was speaking to the adults. He did not tell the young people to return home early next time. Instead, he talked about "Passive Coordination" in family relations. Referring back to Ray and Bonnie who are able to stop arguing and start listening, Fr. Martin told the parents to learn from them and from the reaction of Mary.
And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.
and his mother kept all these things in her heart (Luke 2:50, 51b).
It was not profitable to win an argument at the expense of family relations. There are times when it is wiser to listen than to speak. But we should not forget God either. Invite God into our family life. Then ours can also be a Holy Family too.
And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."
And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:48-19)
In his prayerful mind, he would envision a youngster returning home in the small hours after Christmas Eve celebration. His mother would probably jump out of bed, telling her son off with Mary's words. Then, the young man would retort, repeating words similar to the 12-year-old Jesus'.
Fr. Martin was speaking to the adults. He did not tell the young people to return home early next time. Instead, he talked about "Passive Coordination" in family relations. Referring back to Ray and Bonnie who are able to stop arguing and start listening, Fr. Martin told the parents to learn from them and from the reaction of Mary.
And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.
and his mother kept all these things in her heart (Luke 2:50, 51b).
It was not profitable to win an argument at the expense of family relations. There are times when it is wiser to listen than to speak. But we should not forget God either. Invite God into our family life. Then ours can also be a Holy Family too.
In the afternoon, Erminia and I went to the Christmas gathering for the permanent deacons. It was truly a family gathering. Many deacons and candidates brought along their family members, children and grandchildren. I even met an old student of mine. He is the son of Deacon Sung.
The Vicar General told us that the feast of the Holy Family was an appropriate occasion for this gathering. We have commitment to at least seven families: The Holy Family in Heaven, the Universal Church, the Hong Kong Diocese, the Hong Kong Community, the parish, the diaconate community and our own family. Husband, wife and God are the basic unit of the Holy Family. Therefore, he would be very happy to see greater development of "Husband and Wife Spirituality" in the near future.
There were self-introduction, party games, performances, Yoga demonstration, lucky draw, evening prayer and a substantial dinner. Many people had contributed financially and physically to make this gathering a success. The atmosphere was familial.
The Vicar General told us that the feast of the Holy Family was an appropriate occasion for this gathering. We have commitment to at least seven families: The Holy Family in Heaven, the Universal Church, the Hong Kong Diocese, the Hong Kong Community, the parish, the diaconate community and our own family. Husband, wife and God are the basic unit of the Holy Family. Therefore, he would be very happy to see greater development of "Husband and Wife Spirituality" in the near future.
There were self-introduction, party games, performances, Yoga demonstration, lucky draw, evening prayer and a substantial dinner. Many people had contributed financially and physically to make this gathering a success. The atmosphere was familial.
Dear Lord, the institution of family is under siege in modern society. Many people do not appreciate their needs for a family. I pray for the dysfunctional families. Lord, You are able to turn the tide, transform sorrows into joy and distill goodness out of evil. Grant them Your grace. Amen.
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