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Who has been your model of a faith-filled life?

Feast of the Holy Family, 27 December 2020

In today’s reflection, Waiting in Joyful Hope author Michelle Francl-Donnay reflects on Luke 2:22b & 24a, and offering up our children.

In the comments section below, share your own response to today’s scripture, Francl-Donnay’s reflection, or the accompanying meditation prompt.

3 thoughts on “Who has been your model of a faith-filled life?”

  1. My late aunt Linda was my role model of a faith-filled life. Though my aunt was Methodist and not Catholic, my aunt Linda followed God and Christ in every aspect of her life. She continuously volunteered at her church (Church of the Savior in Cleveland Heights) and volunteered with various charities to help the poor. She also almost always had a very positive outlook on life and trusted in Christ that everything would be alright, especially when she became sick. Just as Mary and Joseph offered a pair of turtledoves because that is all they could afford, my aunt Linda taught us that anything we can offer those who have less than us, no matter how small, can make a huge difference.

  2. We are like Simeon. We await the coming of Jesus just as expectantly as he did. While Simeon was gifted with the assurance that he would not die until he saw the Messiah, we are gifted with the entire Paschal Mystery! What could we possibly offer to God in return for such a gift? Daily, we can commit our best attempt at being a holy family. A holy family follows Sirach’s advice to honor our parents, and be honorable parents (Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 is the optional first reading). St. Paul goes into detail explaining what that looks like. Nowhere does it say we have to be perfect (Fr. Eric, parochial vicar, St. Raphael Church, Bay Village, OH. December 27, 2020). What a relief! I don’t have to be the next Blessed Mother, but my duty is to be the best wife/parent/daughter I can: practice St. Paul’s virtues, give and seek forgiveness when humanity gets the better of my husband, son or me. Then, I can end my days in prayer as Simeon did, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace . . . .”

  3. I have been blessed by many faith filled people in my life. In my younger years my parents and extended family. My parents were always active in our church with my mother being part of the Altar & Rosary Society and my dad part of Holy Name. My mom had us say the Rosary daily and taught it to children of our parish. I remember my dad kneeling beside his bed every morning to say his prayers. Father John Cregan and the
    Sisters of the Humility of Mary modeled well religious life. As a young adult I was very lucky to meet Father Mark DiNardo who modeled a faith filled life all of his life. He taught us all that God is love which is probably one of the most important lessons I ever learned.

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