April 23.  The application of faith to life, the role of laity, couples, women, youth and the elderly were all good discussions topics for an adult family, but even the youth in confirmation had some contributions to make.  “What does it really mean to be called a Christian?  Is it because one is a regular churchgoer, a committed follower of Jesus, studying his way, encountering him?   It seems that, like in the book of Revelations in the early days, now too people may be lukewarm and not burning with passion.  Is that a sign of the times today?  But then how come people are passionate about soccer players or singers and actors? How can we tease out what it is that makes for a real  passionate Christian?“  (The photo today is of a missionary volunteer family from France and a missionary priest from Vietnam working at the Salesian institute in Cape Town )

Reflect, share, pray. Scripture: Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.  They met with the Church and taught a large company of people.  And in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians. From Acts 11:19-26.  Pope Francis.  Challenges exist to be overcome! Let us be realists but without losing our joy, our boldness and our hope-filled commitment.   Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary vigour!   EG 109  Various expressions of popular piety are a treasure of spirituality for many families. Jesus knocks on the door of families, to share with them the Eucharistic supper. There spouses can always seal anew the paschal covenant which united them and which ought to reflect the covenant which God sealed with mankind on the cross.  AL 318