New Resolutions all round!
Brothers and Sisters,
Today marks the conclusion of the Synod on the Family in the Vatican. While there is much speculation and debate on what the resolutions will be, let us keep the door open for the Holy Spirit to continue his work so that the outcomes of the Synod can benefit the church family on a personal, social and spiritual level. The church fathers with their differing views and perspectives have worked tirelessly to ensure that the church can effectively nurture the needs of the family in this day and age, so let us continue to keep them all in our prayers and call on the Holy Spirit to work the will of the Father through their actions and the decisions that they take.
Last Sunday, 38 couples participated in the married couple’s retreat which was prepared by the Family Committee of our parish at St Joseph’s Retreat Centre, Baulkham Hills. The theme of the retreat was “Keepers of the Flame” and the couples reflected throughout the day on keeping the flame alight in their marriage. This was achieved through two excellent speakers, Robyn Moore who spoke about the practical and personal experience of married life and our very own Nehme Khattar who spoke about the spiritual experience through the unity of the Holy Trinity. It was a wonderful day where the couples were able to put everything aside and concentrate on their relationship through the talks, private time together, adoration and Mass. It was also a good way of meeting other couples who are like-minded so that new relationships can develop through the parish family. It was truly a great day for all involved and I thank the Family Committee for ensuring that it was so successful.
At the retreat the couples were asked to make some new resolutions for their marriage in the coming year. As we begin the new liturgical year next week and in order for you to work on your spiritual growth, it is a good time to also start thinking about what your new liturgical year resolutions will be for this coming year. This might be something as simple as making an additional effort to pray the rosary every day with your family or attending a week day Mass, or helping someone in need. It can also include things like, being more patient, more hopeful, and more positive and so on. Do not put additional pressure on yourself but rather start with the simple things.
I pray that the new liturgical year will help you to grow in holiness as you grow with the beautiful treasure that is our Maronite Liturgy.
