A Family Perspective

by Bud Ozar

Oct 19th: Jesus was exasperated when he scolded: "Why do you put me to the test?" It is natural for children to test parents; this is how they learn and how we teach limits, rules and values. Be like Jesus in today's gospel; he was firm, honest and direct.  The phrase in today's gospel is famous: "Pay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." Taxes insure the government gets its share of our families resources, but what about our debts to God. How much time does your family give to God in conversation (prayer) or in service to our fellow humans who are in need?

Jun 29th: In today's gospel, Jesus renamed Simon. With the new name came Jesus' expectations of Peter. Naming is a serious and thoughtful family responsibility. When parents name a child, certain hopes, expectations and family connections are wrapped in the naming. What's in your name?

Jun 15th: There are many "troubled and abandoned" children needing guidance. They are "sheep without a shepherd." Today on Father's Day, let our "hearts be moved to pity for these children." Jesus reminds all men, "the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Without cost you received, without cost you must give.

May 25th: Today's gospel is Jesus' "Walk the Talk" speech challenging us to be who we profess to be. Build your family on fidelity: to God, your family and self. Then you will have foundation to withstand the "rains, floods and winds" of life?

Apr 20th:  We ask children to trust us because "we know the way." What we ask of our children, Jesus asks of us in today's gospel, "I am the way" so "don't be troubled. It is a matter of trust.

Oct 28th: The bragging Pharisee and the humble tax collector were not the main characters in today's gospel. God is, because what God does within us is more important than what we do. Let go of your agenda and allow His agenda (Grace) to change you and your family.

Jul 22nd: The gospel today teaches us to imitate BOTH Martha and Mary.  We must "welcome others into our home" as Martha did, but we must also "listen" to them as Mary did.  Welcoming and listening create hospitality.

Jun 10th: In today's gospel, Jesus said a blessing over the food and all were satisfied.  A meal is more than eating.  The blessing before a meal sets the tone and the whole meal continues the blessing as we share our lives with one another in conversation and love.

Jun 3rd: Jesus sounded like a parent when he said, "I have much to tell you, but you can't hear it now."  Parents thoughtfully balance how much to say and when to say it.  Because our children "will speak what they hear," our "telling" and timing are critical.

Feb 4th: We can learn how to handle stress from today's gospel.  When pressured by the crowd, Jesus climbed into a boat and "went out a short distance and taught."  Juggling parenting, scheduling, and work can be stressful.  Parents need space also.  A "short distance" is a good parenting tool.

Jan 28th: The people of Nazareth saw "Joseph's son" as part of their own home-town hero and celebrity.  When Jesus told them His mission was not only in Nazareth, their pride turned to "indignation;" they felt cheated. Today's gospel teaches us that our concern must extend beyond our immediate family to all God's children.

Jun 25th: As the frightened disciples turned to Jesus in today’s gospel, children turn to parents when "violent storms" threaten them. Bringing the calming peace of Jesus to our family is the work of holiness and parenting.

May 28th: Before ascending into heaven, Jesus asked us to be preachers of the gospel.  The great St. Francis said, "Preach always and sometimes, if necessary, use words."  Families preach by how we live.  What is the message your family is preaching?

May 21st: Today, Jesus challenges us to be a loving family, to "love one another as I have loved you."  Jusus asks us to 'lay down our life' (our time, our attention, our opinions, our way) for each other.  This is the sacrament of family life, when God is visible in our love for one another.

Apr 23rd: "Blessed are those who have not seen and believe."  Accepting someone as they are, without demanding they prove themselves or meet our expectations, brings blessings to a relationship.  Without  trust and acceptance, a home is only a house, and a family is just a group of strangers.

Apr 16th: In today's gospel, Mary, Peter and John did a lot of running looking for Jesus.  The Easter message is:  We don't need to run around to find Jesus.  Wherever you experience forgiveness and sacrificial love, you find the Resurrected Lord.  Alleluia!

Apr 9th: Today's gospel tells us Jesus was "sorrowful, distressed and troubled" in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He did not use this as an excuse.  Rather, He surrendered to the will of his Father.  Family conflicts often start when we impose our will.  Imitate Jesus by letting go of controlling behaviors; let peace enter your family.

Mar 26th: In today's gospel, Jesus teaches "whoever lives the truth comes to light."  Withholding or distorting the truth, in an attempt to control others, is a misuse of power.  Healthy families promote truth; this is how individuals "come to light."

Mar 19th: Often our homes are more a shrine of consumerism than a shrine of God’s presence. In today’s gospel, Jesus is clear: "Stop making My Father’s house a market place." Today Jesus asks us to simplify our lives and our life style.

Mar 12th: After the Transfiguration, Jesus told the apostles, "not to tell anyone what you have seen."  In families, we entrust each other with our secrets; mutual trust is the sacred safety net binding us together.

Feb 19th: In today’s gospel, Jesus "was at home" when he forgave and healed the paralyzed man. In our homes, forgiveness can heal broken relationships. Families who don’t forgive are doomed to paralysis. Don’t accept paralysis, forgive one another.

Feb 12th: In the gospel for World Marriage Day, Jesus "reached out, touched a leper and healed him." Everyone comes to marriage with flaws that need healing. The healing power of Jesus comes to life in marriage, when spouses "reach out" and accept the shortcomings of each other.

Jan 29th: We can learn a parenting tip from Jesus in today’s gospel and "speak as one having authority." Your children may resist and think you want to "destroy" them. They may even "cry out with a loud voice," but they will "know who you are," what you stand for and what is expected of them.

Jan 22nd: James and John appear irresponsible leaving their jobs and families to follow Jesus. In today’s gospel, Jesus is making the same invitation to you and your family: "Now is the time. Come follow me." In this New Year, Jesus is inviting you to leave your comfort zone and follow Him more closely. This is your chance!