Family

On this first Lord’s Day Sunday in a new month, the month, in many Caribbean Islands, which is affectionately known as the holiday month, the island truly feels the holiday atmosphere in many and varied areas. One sure cry of rejoicing, on the island in which I live, is that the traffic situation is given a welcomed ease. This is due to the fact that most, if not all Primary and Secondary Schools are closed for vacation. This holiday atmosphere is marked in many churches, when, for example, choirs and some Church activities are suspended, until the holiday season is over.

Additionally, as a direct result of holidays and people going off to different parts of the world for various reasons, congregations are noticeably diminished. Be that as it may, we give God thanks for vacation times, for it is when many families get to be together, minus deadlines, work schedules, school routines and more.

Family time is extremely important, as you know, and holiday times are crucial. You and I know of parents, a mother or father for example, who put family above greedily rushing to receive all the overtime work and such like, which pays extremely well. Such families, who do not sacrifice vacation times, for the accumulation of money, though needed, grant you, certainly will have less than other families who sacrifice vacation times for, “good money”. Indeed, such families will not have as much money, neither will they share in much of this world’s pleasures, as others do, but their holiday times are positively invaluable.

Not only that, but I strongly believe that such families are much happier and receive immeasurably more spiritual bliss from the fruit of binding, self-giving love. These are fruit which cannot be compared with any worldly gains and treasures. Even more incredible, is that God loves this and grants superbly abundant fellowship and peace to such households. We don’t hear very much of what Proverbs 15: 27 states, but we all ought to be more aware of it. This is a sound, wise word, infallible in its meaning. He who is greedy for gain, troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. O yes! Bribes come dressed in all kinds of attractive attire. The one who denies worldly gain, keeps his or her household in the peace and pleasures of God.  

Regardless of what family means to us, and how our families are constructed, we know that God has given us families, both blood relations and spiritual relations. Here is Jesus’ Mind on the spiritual family. On one occasion, when Jesus was inside a house speaking and teaching, someone told Him that a few of His family members were outside, wanting to speak with Him. Jesus was told that His mother and brothers were out there waiting. This was Jesus’ response to the person who spoke to Him.

Who is my mother? And who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand towards the disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister, and mother. Matthew 12: 48 – 50. Jesus loved His earthly family dearly. He also cherished and loved His spiritual family.

It is God who, from the beginning, gave family to His human creation, when He gave Adam a companion, from whom offspring were born. God so held and still holds family as dear and close to His Sacred Heart that He told us, human beings, that He is our Father. We have been given the privilege of being part of His family where we can call Him, Father. As His children, we have been given grace to come to Him as Father, and live with Him as Father. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. 1 John 3: 1a.

I have dedicated this week specifically to the family and how all can be saved in and through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother.