by Dr. Mark Moitoza, D.Min., AMS Vice Chancellor for Evangelization
We are more than an accident of evolution. We are greater than the sum of our biology. God exists. He is good. He loves us. He made us in his image to share in his joy. He takes an active hand in our lives. He sent his only Son to restore our dignity and lead us home to him. (Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive, Chapter 1)
The preparatory catechesis for the World Meeting of Families highlights ten themes for prayer and reflection. In this month of December the archdiocese focuses upon the first theme, Created for Joy. Journeying through Advent finds Catholics waiting in hope for the Joy of the light of the world, Jesus Christ. So often though the silence and service that cultivates hearts, making them ready to receive joy, are overshadowed as people race through the holidays from Thanksgiving to Christmas morning. Yet the celebration of the joy of Christmas is more than a day.
Our whole lives are created for joy! Through prayer we realize that we are created in God’s image and that through Jesus we are invited to share in his joy. When we pray together, really listen to one another, and find ways to serve without seeking recognition for ourselves we experience real joy. The joy of family life can be easily forgotten too. There is always a deadline, an activity, or tasks that need to be accomplished. Yet “love is the family mission.” The family that shares love makes God’s love visible to others.
- How is Jesus a trustworthy anchor in the military family experience?
- How does staying connected to the military Catholic faith community help families to remember the need to express joy?
- Finding a home in faith happens both in the domestic church, the church at home, and in the gathered community at the celebration of Mass. How can we find and share Jesus so that our faith is not just an individual experience for ourselves but rather an experience of joy to be shared in word and example?
Find additional reflections on the topic of Created for Joy by following this link to Our Sunday Visitor.
World Meeting of Family Preparatory Catechesis lesson plans.
Learn more about the World Meeting of Families gathering being held in Philadelphia, PA September 22-27, 2015.
Monthly Catechesis Reflections
