May 24. Laudato Si week.   “How does one become a saint?” Christopher asked. “let me first ask what kind of saint,” his dad replied. “The ones we pray to.”  “No, first of all we pray to God, through the saints, but only a few famous, good and deserving people are formally recognized. There are millions and millions of other men and women who we ourselves recognize. Like your grandfather, who was someone I really admired because he always stood up for justice and spoke the truth and was also a kind and generous person. I loved how your grandmother was always at his side. Their “memorial” is close to my heart as you have heard me say before.”

Reflect, share, Scripture:  We call those happy who were steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. Above all do not swear, by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no.  James 6:9-12.   Pope Francis: Often is it grandparents who ensure that the most important values are passed down to their grandchildren. Their words, their affection or simply their presence help children to realise that history does not begin with themselves but that they are part of an age old pilgrimage and that they need to respect those who came before them.  They are the family’s living memory.  AL192. “Christian spirituality proposes an alternative understanding of the quality of life and encourages a prophetic and contemplative lifestyle, one capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption. LS222.  ACTION. What should I change? Let us pray:  As families let us be seeds of hope in our lives and our world, rooted in faith and love.