Dec 15 Mon
Is becoming a parent an awesome adventure?
“Today’s Society’s sickness is a lack of confidence in life.” Pope Leo praised “the wonderful adventure” of becoming parents that many families are choosing to embark on today, even in a time marked by economic and social difficulties.”
“Do so trusting in the God of life, and promoting authentic human life in all its expressions, above all, in the wonderful adventure of motherhood and fatherhood.”
“Do not be afraid to welcome and defend every child conceived. Proclaim and serve the Gospel of life. God is the lover of life. Therefore, always protect it with care and love.”
St Josemaría wrote: “A Christian marriage is not just a social institution, much less a mere remedy for human weakness. It is a real supernatural calling…Christ transforms their whole married life into an occasion for God's presence on earth.
“The unity between the parents is transmitted to their children, to the whole family, and to everyone who is involved in their life. Thus, every truly Christian family reproduces in some way the mystery of the Church, chosen by God and sent to be the guide of the world."
“It is very important that the idea of marriage as a real call from God never be absent, either from the pulpit and the religion class or from the conscience of those whom God wishes to follow this way. Couples should be convinced that they are really and truly called to take part in the fulfillment of God's plan for the salvation of all men."
“Every Christian home should be a place of peace and serenity. Despite the small frustrations of daily life, an atmosphere of profound and sincere affection should reign there together with a deep-rooted calm, which is the result of authentic faith that is put into practice."
“Husband and wife are called to sanctify their married life and to sanctify themselves in it. It would be a serious mistake to exclude family life from their spiritual development. The marriage union, the care and education of children, the effort to provide for the needs of the family as well as for its security and development, the relationships with other persons who make up the community, all these are among the ordinary human situations that Christian couples are called upon to sanctify."
“They will achieve this aim by exercising the virtues of faith and hope, facing serenely all the great and small problems which confront any family, and persevering in the love and enthusiasm with which they fulfil their duties. Thus, they practice the virtue of charity in all things. They learn to smile and forget about themselves to pay attention to others.”
“Husband and wife will listen to each other and to their children, showing them that they are really loved and understood. They will forget about the unimportant little frictions that selfishness could magnify out of proportion. They will lovingly do all the small acts of service that make up their daily life together."
“The aim is this: to sanctify family life, while creating at the same time a true family atmosphere."