5 December. Jacob’s Family.  Granny Toni sat in her little house and meditated.  “We often hear of Jacob and his sons, but he also had a number of daughters.  His family is kind of regarded as a model for God’s way for creation. Large families are no longer as popular as they were in previous times, when not all babies survived and when children were loved and welcomed as gifts, but also as extra hands to help, as a form of labour, in and beyond the home. So much has changed in the last century, much of it for financial reasons, which have also influenced our attitudes towards life in general and our values. Yes, education is expensive. Yes, parents have to work, but yes, consumerism, and so many things to want to spend money on, are the norm and the expectation of modern day families. Individualism, secularism, women’s liberation are factors too and family cohesion is not what it was, to the detriment of relationships and also personal happiness. Single mothers are becoming the most common and kids are ever more self-sufficient. Childless families exist too. Equality is an acceptable social goal but how does it benefit society in the long run when families are so fragmented?   Where is God and where is love in this heavily populated world of His?” She sighed and smiled when she thought of the new baby which still brings hope and joy.           

Reflect, share, Scripture: Thus says the Lord who redeemed Abraham.  ‘Jacob shall no more be ashamed, no more shall his face grow pale. For when he sees his children, the work of my hands in his midst, they will sanctify my name,  they will sanctify the Holy One of “Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.  Is 29: 17-24.   Pope Francis: Love always gives life. It does not end with the couple.  They, in giving themselves to one another give also the reality of children, who are a living reflection of their love, and a permanent sign of their being a father and a mother.  AL165. Jubilee:  Openness to life and responsible parenthood is the design that the Creator has implanted in the hearts and bodies of men and women, a mission that the Lord has entrusted to spouses and to their love. The desire of young people to give birth to new sons and daughters as a sign of the fruitfulness of their love ensures a future for every society. This is a matter of hope: the Christian community should be at the forefront in pointing out the need for a social covenant to support and foster hope, working for a future filled with the laughter of babies and children, in order to fill the empty cradles in so many parts of our world. SNC 9  Act and pray.  For a greater appreciation of the value of family life, children and love for the world.