Blessings in Work, Family, and the Community of Faith
August 26, 2023 - Saturday, 20th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalm 128:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
Psalm 128 begins with the word ”blessed" and indicates three areas where we experience God’s blessing: work, family, and the community of faith.
Let us begin our reflection with work. It is immensely important. It does not only provide for our material needs but it gives us a sense of purpose, dignity and self-worth. It connects us with other people and contributes to the betterment of society. In his encyclical letter on “Human Labor”, Saint John Paul II wrote: “Work is a good thing for man -- a good thing for his humanity -- because through work man not only transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves fulfilment as a human being and indeed, in a sense, becomes 'more a human being.'"
Let us now turn to family. I grew up in a lovely family. We are three brothers and my parents will soon celebrate the 60 anniversary of their marriage. There is no doubt that healthy and stable family is a blessing. Such a family fosters mental and psychological well-being and provides support for its members. The parents shape the character of their children and prepare them to face the responsibilities of adulthood. It offers a sense of belonging and identity. For Saint John Paul II family is founded on love. Love is the family’s permanent power and its final goal: “Without love the family is not a community of persons and, in the same way, without love the family cannot live, grow and perfect itself as a community of persons” (see Familiaris Consortio, 18).
Finally, let us look at the community of faith. I have been living and working in many different countries but in each country, I could always find a place that gave me a sense of belonging, familiarity, and home. That place is a Catholic church. There are many benefits of belonging to the same faith community. We share the same beliefs and value system. We have a sense of family bonding. In our community of faith, we find support, we grow in spirituality, and find service opportunities. Our brothers and sisters in faith also offer us advice and counselling and stand with us in moments of pain and sorrow.
Let me end this reflection with a prayer:
May the Good Lord shower his blessing upon our work, our families, and the entire community of the Church. May we be people who fear the Lord by living in obedience to his commandments and doing his will in our lives. And may we share the joy and contentment that comes from our God with the world around us.