Edited by Kevin Cotter - Pope Francis and the Joy of Family Life: Daily Reflections

Pope Francis

and the Joy of Family Life

Daily Reflections

Pope Francis and the Joy of Family Life Daily Reflections

Edited by Kevin Cotter

Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division

Our Sunday Visitor

Huntington, Indiana 46750

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Quotations from Pope Francis copyright by Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Copyright 2015 by Kevin Cotter. Published 2015.

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ISBN: 978-1-61278-929-3 (Inventory No. T1708)

eISBN: 978-1-61278-930-9

LCCN: 2015942959

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Cover art: Stefano Spaziani

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P RINTED IN THE U NITED S TATES OF A MERICA

Table of Contents

Introduction

The idea of a pope speaking and writing about the family might strike some people as a bit odd. What does a celibate man who has never been married and doesnt have any children know about family life today?

A glimpse into the life of Pope Francis reveals a man who has studied the family not as an academic or a theologian, but as a person who has been a pastor, friend, neighbor, and has even been like family to so many people throughout his life. He knows how families operate because he has celebrated the weddings of many couples, baptized their children, and been a fixture in their homes. His life growing up as the oldest of five children in a vibrant Catholic home also shines through in his words.

As the editor of this book, I also have experience with family. I hold the honored titles of son, brother, father, husband, grandson, godfather, uncle, and cousin. While it wasnt my normal mode of operation, as a father of three young children I sometimes wrote with a child next to me, on my lap, or even clinging to my back. In writing/editing this book, I often thought of my own family, friends, neighbors, and parish, and how to apply the wisdom of our Holy Father to my everyday life.

I know that family life can be joyful, hectic, frustrating, exciting, and tiring. Sometimes all of these things in a single day! Family is also the foundation of our society and has such an important role in the Church that the Catechism of the Catholic Church calls the family the domestic Church. If there is one area of life that needs prayer and reflection, it is this great and important vocation.

Pope Francis and the Joy of Family Life is all about helping you unpack the wisdom of Pope Francis and the Church on the family. Not every quote from Pope Francis speaks directly about the family, but all of them will help you think about the Faith in terms of its impact on you and your own family.

This book is set up so that you not only read the words of Pope Francis, but also reflect on their meaning for your life and your family as you consider the questions that follow each meditation.

St. Francis de Sales, one of the great spiritual directors among the saints, offered six steps to prayer that can allow you to enter more deeply into meditation and conversation with the Lord.

1. Place yourself in the presence of God.

Remember that God is near you. Take a moment to invite him into your time of prayer. Meet him as if you were meeting a friend.

2. Ask God for his assistance.

Ask that he would help in your meditation. Pray that God uses this time to draw you closer to him.

3. Read over a passage of Scripture or some other spiritual work.

In this case, your spiritual reading will be the words of Pope Francis, but also consider supplementing this with Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or other spiritual readings.

4. Take some time to reflect and think over what you have read.

Your goal is not necessarily to learn something, but to enter more deeply into a relationship with Jesus and to understand yourself and God more intimately. Listen to what God is trying to tell you.

5. Have a conversation with God about your reflections and thoughts.

In this stage, you want to ask yourself: What stood out in my spiritual reading? What is God trying to tell me through what I just read? What feelings arise in my heart? Talk to God about these things.

6. Conclude your time in prayer.

In your conclusion, St. Francis recommends thanking God for your time in prayer, making petitions for yourself and others, and developing a practical resolution. Take what insights you have gained and apply them to your life in a practical way. For example, do you need to be more faithful to prayer? Do you need to forgive someone?

As St. Francis de Sales and many other spiritual writers make clear: there is no perfect method or process for prayer, which is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit. The reflections Ive provided following the popes words are meant only to serve as prompts toward prayer; use them when you find them helpful, but dont be afraid to allow the Spirit to move you wherever he wishes.

May Pope Francis words lead all of us to a deep relationship with God and our families!

With hope in the Divine Will,

Kevin Cotter

June 22

Feast of St. Thomas More

January 1

God Wreaks Havoc With Our Plans

Feast of Mary, Mother of God

At the message of the angel, [the Virgin Mary] does not hide her surprise. It is the astonishment of realizing that God, to become man, had chosen her, a simple maid of Nazareth. Not someone who lived in a palace amid power and riches, or one who had done extraordinary things, but simply someone who was open to God and put her trust in him, even without understanding everything: Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word (Lk 1:38). That was her answer. God constantly surprises us; he bursts our categories; he wreaks havoc with our plans. And he tells us: Trust me; do not be afraid; let yourself be surprised; leave yourself behind and follow me!

Homily, October 13, 2013

Reflection: As family members, we can be surprised that the Lord entrusts us with so much. Who am I to be a parent, a grandparent, a brother or sister, an uncle or aunt, or a godparent? What fears do you have right now about your role as a family member? Where is God asking you to trust him more?

January 2

If There Is No Love, Then There Is No Joy

In your journey as a family, you share so many beautiful moments: meals, rest, housework, leisure, prayer, trips and pilgrimages, and times of mutual support. Nevertheless, if there is no love then there is no joy, and authentic love comes to us from Jesus. He offers us his word, which illuminates our path; he gives us the Bread of life, which sustains us on our journey.

Letter to Families, February 2, 2014

Reflection: Family life is more like a marathon than a sprint. It can be exhausting and stressful. This week, spend time in Gods word and with the Eucharist. In these moments, specifically ask for the grace of love and joy. Dont fear failure in this area! Just ask God for more love and joy when you need help.