January 29. Like King David many old people sit alone some in retirement homes, sometimes with happy memories and at other times sadly thinking back over the years of their lives. They thought: “How often is there conflict within families?”  “I can see now that I didn’t always think about what I was doing to my children.  I can see that I have been harsh and unfair and now my son has turned against me. I pray that God will show me a way to be reconciled before I die.”

Reflect, share. Scripture: David said, “Behold, my own son seeks my life, how much more now may this Benjamite? Let him curse, for the Lord has bidden him.”  From 2 Samuel 15 and 16.  Pope Francis: When children no longer feel that, for all their faults, they are important to their parents or that their parents are sincerely concerned about them this causes deep hurt and many difficulties along their path to maturity. AL263.  Pray:  During this month of beginnings pray that families will make an effort at reconciliation where it is needed. Choose appropriate action.