20 October.  “Just like in families, in our prayers don’t we often want to tell God what to do. Like “Mom tell John to give my ball back.”  “Dad why don’t you tell Minnie she has to share the TV. It’s not all hers.”   “And what would happen in families if Dad or Mom said what Jesus did? There really is no easy answer.”

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  “Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Take heed and beware of all covetousness for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” From Luke 12:13-21.  Pope Francis: Equal consideration needs to be given to the growing danger represented by an extreme individualism which weakens family bonds and ends up considering each member of the family as an isolated unit, leading in some cases to the idea that one’s personality is shaped by his or her desires which are considered absolute. From  AL 33. JUBILEE. But what is happiness? What is the happiness that we await and desire? Not some fleeting pleasure, a momentary satisfaction that, once experienced, keeps us longing for more, in a desperate quest that leaves our hearts unsated and increasingly empty. We aspire to a happiness that is definitively found in the one thing that can bring us fulfilment, which is love. SNC  21. Act and Pray for the needs of families and our calling to become true missionary disciples.