November 29. Adam and Eve’s family. Read Genesis 1 – 4. The creation stories of humankind are well known. God created man and woman to be close and intimate, to be united in body, mind and heart, to be ‘one flesh,’ being fruitful and bearing children. This fruitfulness is one of the blessings of all of creation as reproduction through a father and mother was the approach God used to continue all the different families of creation. Adam and Eve’s life together in close relationship with God was near-perfect. But was their family life an experience of total harmony, even in paradise where they were tempted to want more? They were punished because they disobeyed God. Was it pride, greed or not being able to forego instant gratification? This is seen most strongly in Cain killing his brother Abel out of jealousy.

Pope Francis. Reading the scriptures makes it clear that the Gospel is not merely about our personal relationship with God. EG180. For Reflection and Sharing. What could God be saying to your family about unity, harmony and right behaviour at this time, going into the holiday season? Disobedience within families and beyond in school and society has been a major problem for a long time. Each one wants to do their own thing. and we don’t care about others. Remember God’s words, “You are your brother’s keeper.”