Christifidelis Laici 40 & 41

     We continue with paragraphs 40 & 41 of Pope St. John Paul the Great’s exhortation.  Here, our Holy Father begins by recognizing that “the human person has an inherent social dimension which calls a person from the innermost depths of self to communion with others and to the giving of self to others.”  Thus, as we reflected last weekend in our celebration of the Most Holy Trinity, made in the image and likeness of God Who is a Trinity of Persons in a Unity of substance, we are called to a life of total self-giving.

     Our Holy Father recognizes that this gains its first and most perfect expression in family life.  It is in the family that we learn to give ourselves in love and it is in the family that we discover the wholeness this brings.  Thus, we are reminded of the necessity of supporting marriage and family life as God has created it.  We are also reminded to reject any social or government programs which undermine the rightful place of the family as the building block of society.

     JPII goes on to point out that this charity which is first learned and lived in the family then reaches out to others.  This is, in fact, integral to the Church’s self-identity.  “For this reason, mercy to the poor and the sick, works of charity and mutual aid intended to relieve human needs of every kind, are held in special honor in the Church.  It is for this reason that our Confirmation program includes a service component focused on the works of mercy, both corporal and spiritual.

     So, some questions that occur are…

   1.     How conscious and intentional am I in making my family a place where each member is called to communion with the other members of our family?

    2.     How do we, individually, and as a family, reach out in charity to our wider community?

    3.     Is our family’s participation in the Church and integral part of this call to communion?

Challenge:  In our Confirmation formation program there are three aspects to service in charity: service to our wider community, service to our parish, and service in worship.  Which aspect of service is the “weak link” for your family?  Why is that?  Now, consider at least two, very specific things you might do to remedy this.