Family!

We have a saying in the Philippines that the mother is the light of the home (“ilaw ng tahanan”). And the father? In jest, someone said that he is the one who extinguishes the light of the home (“tagapundi ng ilaw ng tahanan”)!

—————-Today is the Feast of the Holy Family (Lk. 2, 22-40). We hear of how the Baby Jesus was presented to the Lord at the temple by Joseph and Mary, in accordance with the prescription of the law of the Lord. Presence, love, and support are the best gifts parents can give to their children. —————-

Someone said that children can tear up a house, but they never break up a home. It is parents who can do that.

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We honor today parents who continue to try to be present to and supportive of their children, especially those who do so as single parents because of death or separation. Only God knows the sacrifices and the double effort they do so that the children grow up and become strong, filled with wisdom, with God’s favor upon them. God bless your good and generous hearts!

—————-One good thing the pandemic has done is to bring families to be more present to each other, and to be more present to God in prayer. Yes, something good can come out of seemingly difficult and even hopeless situations. Yes, the family that prays together stays together. And, may I add, the family that stays together (should!) pray together. —————-

This Christmas I received a beautiful family photo of Dr. Violeta and Dr. Raul Dy smiling together with their children Rainier, Ramon, Ralph and Riona. They got COVID-19 last August, and they all survived! Ask Doctor Violeta how they coped and recovered, and her response is prayers, prayers, prayers! —————-

Christmas reminds us that God so loved us, He gave His only begotten Son (Jn. 3,16), and that we should also love one another. Christmas also reminds us not to postpone our conversion to God, and our love and appreciation of the people God has given to us. Think about this: There were people who were with us last Christmas who are no longer with us this Christmas. And there are people who are with us this Christmas who may not be with us anymore next Christmas. So, let us make this Christmas the best Christmas. Better yet, let’s keep the spirit of Christmas alive and real, every single day in the New Year.

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Please remember that the home includes the household helpers. It is sad how some people could be so cozy and comfy with their family members, and so stingy and hard on their helpers, drivers, and workers in their business and companies. Please remember: “Whatever you did to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it unto me” (Mt. 25:40). One more thing: The magi offered their presents unto the newborn King. Let us offer every day our gifts of love and care to people around us, and make Jesus present in our midst, and make the Father smile in heaven. —————-

How to make Christmas happen the whole year round? Remember, Christmas happened because of God who so loved us, Mary who listened and prayed, Joseph who obeyed, and Jesus who became present. Insofar as we love like God, listen and pray like Mary, obey like Joseph, we make Christ present in our midst, every day.

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Wishing you all a better year ahead, in all aspects, in Jesus’ name. Amen. We say: Thank you 2020. We hope and pray 2021 will be more kind, and give us more reasons to smile. One with you in prayer. God bless us all!—————-

A moment with the Lord: Lord, remind us again and again that we are family, and that you are our loving Father. Amen.

jorbos@inquirer.com.ph