25 January.  3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time A.  SEE:  Fr Sylvester referred to the symbolism of light and darkness that can also refer to good and evil, positives and negatives, giving or destroying a fullness of life. He explained, “Family life is never totally one or the other.  Some things will work well and others badly.  There needs to be organisation and leadership to address issues and divisions no matter what type of family unit there is, nuclear family, extended family, single parent, granny-headed, child-headed, no children, same sex or whatever.  For me, nothing is worse than disorganised chaos.  So I ask you all, “How have you been doing with your resolutions for this year at home?  Do you need to start over again before this first month ends?“ 

JUDGE, reflect and share:  Scripture: I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgement.  1 Cor 1:10.  Pope Francis.   Jubilee. Saint Paul is a realist. He knows that life has its joys and sorrows, that love is tested amid trials, and that hope can falter in the face of suffering. Even so, he can write: “We boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Rom 5:3-4). SNC4.   Pope Leo: The contrast between darkness and light is not only a biblical image describing the labor pains of a new world being born; it is also an experience that unsettles us and affects us amid the trials we face in our historical circumstances. In order to overcome the darkness, it is necessary to see the light and believe in it. This is a call that Jesus’ disciples are invited to live in a unique and privileged way; yet it also finds its way into every human heart. Peace exists; it wants to dwell within us.  It has the gentle power to enlighten and expand our understanding; it resists and overcomes violence. Peace is a breath of the eternal: while to evil we cry out “Enough,” to peace we whisper “Forever.”  PM 1 Jan

ACT: Decide on possible appropriate action for your own family and our world.   Conclude with prayer