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Finding Hope in the Healing Power of God - Family Reflection Video

By: Father David Marcham on December 15th, 2021

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Finding Hope in the Healing Power of God - Family Reflection Video

Why pray?  |  Return to the Church  |  Seasonal Reflections

God's justice, compassion, and healing power can do amazing things, big and small, if you let Him in, if you invite Him into your life. This week, I had two writing deadlines due the same day. The first was today’s homily, and the second was a family Christmas letter. As I prayed and reflected on the tasks at hand, I had an inspiration for how to approach a Christmas letter in these unusual times.

 

As you know, Christmas letters are a year in review: updates on what we’ve been up to, including the lighthearted moments and a sense of gratitude. But this year has been different for all of us, and without our normal type of news, we’ve got limited material to report.

It reminded me of how we journey through each Advent, looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior, just as we have each year. However, what caught my attention was the hopefulness of the celebration of Jesus’ birth, and looking forward—and what it can mean for all of us if we take the time during these next nine days to pray, reflect on the Word of God, and our lives, go to Confession, and help those who are in need.

The main themes from today’s readings focus on God’s justice, compassion, and healing power. When we hear God’s justice, we might have some worry, but if we listen to today’s gospel, we’re reassured by God’s concern for all who need to be healed and the power of God to achieve it.

All of us want justice in our lives; we want fairness in how God, our family members, and even our fellow motorists treat us, and this is why it’s good to hear that not only is God just, but His justice is to rain down and grow up among us.

Just imagine what our families, neighborhoods, states, and countries would be like--if we could not only hear but also live what the prophet Isaiah conveys. Imagine what can happen if we pray for the ability to be just to both the people we like and even those that it’s hard to like? It could even improve not cutting in front of a person for that last parking spot at the Mall.

Imagine if we could go without hesitation to God in faith and hopefulness for ourselves and our loved one-- when we needed healing in mind, body, or soul—or the package plan.

My brothers and sisters, Advent is a time for carving out time to pray, reflect, repent and serve. It’s a time to recognize with gratitude the presence of God over these past twelve months and beyond, but it’s also a time to look forward with hope and joy—believing in God’s plan for us.

This year’s family Christmas letter might be short on news, but it won’t be on what we hope for with God’s grace this coming year!  

May God bless you and your family this holy day as we prepare with hope and joy for Christmas!


  • Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

  • To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EST, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)

About Father David Marcham

Reverend David S. Marcham is the Vice Postulator for the Cause of Venerable Patrick Peyton, and Director of the Father Peyton Guild, whose members pray for Father Peyton’s beatification and spread his message of the importance of Family Prayer. Prior to becoming a seminarian, Father David was a physical therapist and clinical instructor, serving hospital inpatients and outpatients throughout the greater Boston area for eleven years. In 1998 he heard the call to priesthood and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Boston in 2005. Father David grew up in Quincy, MA, and has fond memories of playing soccer, tennis and running track. You’re never without a friend when Father David is around, as he welcomes everyone into his circle with a smile on his face!