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Life Together

The 1st Sunday in October is known as Respect Life Sunday in the United States. The faith community is reminded of the sanctity of all life from conception to natural death the "seamless garment" challenge not honored in the wider society. The various readings for this Sunday affirm life created in God’s image and saved for all by the sacrifice of Jesus, our brother. The CELEBRATING THE LECTIONARY Family Handout for this week invites families to focus on the sacredness of their own families. The weekly family handout provides a brief reflection on the Sunday readings, several faith-sharing options for living out the Gospel message in the course of the week, and three personal reflection questions which a family might use as a basis for family discussion. The following handout is for October 5, 1997. 

READINGS

Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 128
Hebrews 2:9-11
Mark 10:2-16 

REFLECTIONS

There are many ways to respect life. Some people find it necessary to take their convictions to the streets in the form of demonstrations and protests. Others prefer quiet prayer or fasting to personally show their support for the gift of life. Some find a middle ground, spending time teaching and educating others about church teachings. Whatever your style, do something to show your support for this most precious gift.

Spend some time focusing on this week’s readings. They call us to enter into loving relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. God is the great healer and comforter. God’s mercy and compassion are evident in each of this week’s readings. Those who are healed become part of Christ’s community. They join with other believers, assuming their responsibility to proclaim the Good News. This responsibility continues today when we are surrounded by a culture of death. We must follow our moral convictions when our community promotes assisted suicide or abortion. In some cultures, infanticide or genocide are accepted practices. As disciples, we are called to lovingly remind those around us that our mission in Christ honors and respects all life.

...whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it (Mark 10:15). 

FAITH SHARING

What re-energizes your family? What gives you the strength to make it through trying times? Whatever it is, make time to do it this week. For some, it might be quiet time or a nap; for others, physical exercise. Perhaps reading or prayer time is life-giving for you. Do whatever it takes to give you the energy you need to be a loving mother, father, brother, sister, husband, wife, daughter or son. Have a family meeting to go over the areas where your relationships could be more loving. Perhaps each person would want to jot down (younger children could draw pictures or bring toys to explain) areas that need improvement. After your discussion, pray for healing and reconciliation.

Celebrate the children in your lives this week. Parents, do something very special for the children. Bake their favorite treats. Spend extra time with them. Take them to a movie. Play games with them. Write a prayer in their honor.

Write to friends or family members and let them know how happy you are that they chose life*either as parents or by providing support for someone who was sick or ailing. Congratulate them and remind them to pass on this celebration of life, a gift from God.
FAMILY DISCUSSION How can I responsibly promote the sanctity of all life? What is special about the relationships that I cherish above all others? When do I need to be more loving to my family?
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