An Invitation from the Bishops of England and Wales to Reflect on the Gift of Marriage and Family Life. Questions for reflection

Over the next 3 weeks you are asked to reflect on 6 questions on the “Gift of Marriage and Family Life”.

This week the first 2 questions are below:


Thinking about what you have read in the scriptures and using the quotes below from the teaching of Pope Francis, reflect on the questions that follow applying them to your experience of marriage and family life.

Please pick up a paper from the porch and return your reflection written on the reverse of the paper or a separate sheet to church and drop it into a box which has been provided. These will then be sent direct to the Bishop’s Secretary.


1. “I am asking you to rebel against this culture that sees everything as temporary and that ultimately believes you are incapable of responsibility, that believes you are incapable of true love. I have confidence in you and I pray for you. Have the courage ‘to swim against the tide’. And also have the courage to be happy.”

What are your joys and hopes of marriage and family life today?


2. “With trust in God’s faithfulness, everything can be faced responsibly and without fear. Christian spouses are not naïve; they know life’s problems and temptations. But they are not afraid to be responsible before God and before society. They do not run away, they do not hide, they do not
shirk the mission of forming a family and bringing children into the world. But today, Father, it is difficult... Of course it is difficult! That is why we need the grace, the grace that comes from the sacrament!”

What are your struggles and fears of marriage and family life today?


Prayer

O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family,
Graciously grant that we may imitate them in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house,
delight one day in eternal rewards.

We ask this through Christ