May 15. UN International Day for Families.  Joy. SEE.   When they came to read the gospel passage that mentions the woman in labour  Mr Clarke said, “That is a true to life example all right. I was pleased to be able to be with my wife  when our children were born. I saw how you were in great pain but we were both so filled with wonder and joy when the baby arrived safely. That is the kind of joy I don’t mind sharing.  I did, with the guys at work and they laughed at me but I didn’t mind. I believe it is a sign of equality in our family and how we both care for our kids.   The theme for IDF today is ‘families, inequalities and child wellbeing”  and that gives us all plenty of food for thought.

Reflect, share, act. Scripture.     When a woman is in labour she has pain because her hour has come but when the child is delivered she no longer remembers the anguish for joy that a child is born into the world. John 16:20-22.   Pope Francis.  God sets the father in the family so that by the gifts of his masculinity he can be close to his wife and share everything.  And to be close to his children as they grow – when they play and when they work, when they are carefree and when they are distressed, when they are talkative and when they are silent, when they are daring and when they are afraid, whey they stray and when they get back on the right path.  Children need a father.  AL177.  Pope Leo in Equatorial Guinea. Yours is a young country! I am certain that within the Church you will find help for the formation of free and responsible consciences, enabling you to advance together toward the future. In a world wounded by arrogance, people hunger and thirst for justice. It is necessary to encourage those who believe in peace. those who place the common good at their very center. What is urgently needed is the courage of new visions and an educational pact that gives young people space and trust.

ACT AND PRAY. Promote the International Day for Families wherever you can. Mary, wife and mother pray for husbands and fathers that they will support their families with love and care.