Family

Ah, families...

(Who doesn't want to be a Weasley?)

The word "family" can mean a lot of different things. We talk about "faith families," "biological families," and sometimes we call our close friends "family."

People joke (and sometimes tell the truth) about their family being dysfunctional. Family life can be hard. Sometimes our relationship with our parents is a struggle. Sometimes our siblings seem like the most annoying people on the face of the earth.

Some moments are great, too. Sometimes our family is there for us in ways no one else can be.

Right now, there is a Synod on the Family. Pope Francis called for this gathering of cardinals, bishops, and other church leaders to discuss family life. This shows that he understands it to be a topic of great importance.

Here is the prayer Pope Francis gives us...

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

in you we contemplate

the splendor of true love,

to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

grant that our families too

may be places of communion and prayer,

authentic schools of the Gospel

and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

may families never again

experience violence, rejection and division:

may all who have been hurt or scandalized

find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

may the Synod of Bishops

make us once more mindful

of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,

and its beauty in God's plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

graciously hear our prayer.

Amen.

Pray this for your own dysfunctional family and for the Synod!