MARFAM FAMILY WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER 9 JANUARY 2026
Out with the old, in with the new, is already old hat after just 9 days into this dramatic new world. My children might say I shouldn’t watch the news so much as it is disturbing, but it is, for me – and war and peace and harmony, and the common good, are important values for me. If in 2025 we were meant to be Pilgrims of Hope, Pope Leo invites us in 2026 to be Apostles of Hope, which requires some form of action. At Pope Leo’s special meeting with the cardinals this week he spoke of the importance of revisiting the 2nd Vatican Council of the 1960s, which opened up many doors and windows for the Church in the Modern World. In the document Gaudium et Spes (translated as Joy and Hope) there was an important focus on the laity and on marriage and family life which were quite new concepts at the time, Pope Francis spoke often about joy from Hs enclycial THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL (Evangelii Gaudium) to the document on the family THE JOY OF LOVE (Amoris Laetitia) The concepts of Joy and Hope have remained with me over the years. In addition the question ‘WHAT LANGUAGE DOES GOD SPEAK? published in a little story 30 years ago, in MARFAM’s first Advent booklet, asks and answers the question. God’s speaks the language of love.
In our conflict-ridden frenetic world of 2026 may those three ideals inspire us and be at the heart of our lives. Acting as Apostles of Hope, may we experience God’s Joy, speak his language of Love and live in peace.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 9 JANUARY
9 January. SEE. Twelve-year-old Kevin was not looking forward to getting back to school. His last year had been very hard as he had been bullied badly. If he complained some action would be taken but the bullies then just get back at you. He was really afraid and poured out his fear to his mom. She did make some enquiries too but later they studied the day’s scripture passage and she said she would also do her best to help him to “love your enemies.” What else could they do?
JUDGE, reflect and share: Scripture: There is no fear in love but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment and he who fears is not perfected in love. 1 John 4: 18. Pope Leo: The idea of the deterrent power of military might, especially nuclear deterrence, is based on the irrationality of relations between nations, built not on law, justice and trust, but on fear and domination by force. “Consequently,” as Saint John XXIII had already written in his day, “people are living in the grip of constant fear. And yet, “those who truly love peace also love the enemies of peace.” [6] Saint Augustine thus advised not to burn bridges or persist in reproach, but to prefer listening and, where possible, engaging in discussions with others. MP 1 Jan.
ACT: choose possible appropriate action to focus on peace. Conclude with prayer.
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