lMarch 24.  Wisdom,. Jesus and the Father.  Family members, especially in larger families can live separate lives, even if they are in the same house.  Time to talk, to pray, to listen and share is always a challenge. Different members grow in different ways in their faith and some can even become a challenge to others as they try harder or become disinterested. Conflicts and power struggles arise over many issues, large and small.  As recommended by Pope Francis Fr Fidelis had promoted the 24 hours with the Lord on 4th Sunday of Lent as time to reflect. There was an opportunity for confession for Catholics too and a parish Pentential service, but Fr was strongly encouraging families to put aside time for reconciliation in the family, using a Family Reconciliation service he had provided. 

Scripture: Ungodly men reasoned unsoundly. Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions.  Thus they reasoned but they were led astray for their wickedness blinded them and they did not know the secret purposes of God.  From Wisdom 2:1-22.    Pope Francis:   True wisdom demands an encounter with reality.  Today everything can be created, disguised and altered. A mechanism of selection then comes into play, whereby I can separate likes from dislikes. We must not lose our ability to listen. FT48. St Francs did not wage a war of words aimed at imposing doctrines he simply spread the love of God. “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God.”  In this way he became a father to all and inspired the vision of a fraternal society,  In the world of the time Francis was able to welcome true peace into his heart and free himself of the desire to wield power over others. He became one of the poor. FT 4.     Reflect, share, act, pray. How well do we know how to listen?   Practise some listening activities and conduct a simple reconciliation moment. \