APRIL OVERVIEW. God, as Trinity is family, the perfect community of love, and every human family, not only as individuals but as a unit, is an image of God and is called to mirror the relationship of the Trinity. St Francis in his Canticle of the Creatures praises God in these words:  ”Most High, omnipotent good Lord, to thee be praise and glory, honour and blessing.  We praise you Lord for all your creatures, for brother sun, sister moon, brother fire, sister water, mother earth and all creation. To you O Lord do they belong, you created them and they bear your likeness.” 

All creatures, including inanimate animals and plants, through their being, offer their praise. Humankind is especially gifted with the additional power of understanding, to love, but to hurt and to forgive, because of love. Through bearing pain, in a unique way we share in the Paschal mystery of Jesus and honour the Trinity.  How has the image of the Trinity been disfigured in our day as fire, water and wind have now become such destructive forces? How does war disfigure every aspect of creation? How have we contributed to this?  Are we willing and ready to repair the damage?

Within the family which could be called a domestic church individuals enter upon an ecclesial experience of communion among persons which reflects, through grace, the mystery of the Holy Trinity.  AL86.  The Father is the ultimate source of everything, the loving and self-communicating foundation of all that exists.  The Son, his reflection, through whom all things were created, united himself to this earth when he was formed in the womb of Mary.  The Spirit, infinite bond of love, is intimately at the very heart of the universe, inspiring and bringing new pathways. The world was created by the three persons, acting as a single divine principle leaving its mark on all creation. LS 238-239  

Pope Francis.   There is a general feeling of powerlessness in the face of sociocultural realities that often times end up crushing families. Families often feel abandoned due to a lack of interest and attention on the part of institutions. AL 43.  Ethics has come to be viewed with a certain scornful derision. It is seen as counterproductive, too human. It is felt to be a threat since it condemns the manipulation and debasement of the person. EG 56.  A JOURNEY OF PEACE IS POSSIBLE BETWEEN RELIGIONS.  Its point of departure must be God’s way of seeing things.  God does not see with his eyes, God sees with his heart. And God’s love is the same for everyone, regardless of religion, even atheists.  When the last day comes, and there is sufficient light to see things as they really are, we are going to find ourselves quite surprised!   FT281. 

Setting the Scene. The reflections are set in families or groups of families engaged in a Lenten journey.  Encourage using these in faith sharing at home during these special weeks. During Holy week participate in special liturgies and share at home. Do age-appropriate activities at home and pray together.