How To Strengthen Family Bonds & Faith - Family Reflection Video

In today’s gospel, Matthew tells us we must be prepared to meet the Lord at any time, because we do not know when he is coming. How can we prepare?  I came across an article from Our Sunday Observer in which Pope Francis identified ten secrets for being happy and I think they will also help us be prepared to meet the Lord.

1. Live and let live: Pope Francis invites us to be fixated on what God is asking us do, not on controlling the lives of others. 

2. Be giving of yourself to others: Being generous with others in need enriches our lives too.
3. Proceed calmly: To maintain calmness — no matter what is happening — is to establish a deep spiritual life. When we are centered on God, what happens on the surface of our lives may ruffle us a little, but it will not disturb our deep inner peace.

4. Develop a healthy sense of leisure: Pope Francis says, “It is important to set aside time to turn off the television, communicate with one another, read together, engage in playful activities, and eat dinner together as a family, as well as explore the arts, culture, and nature.”

5. Make Sunday a Holy Day: Observing Sunday as a holy day offers us the opportunity to reflect on the spiritual side of our existence, appreciate the blessings of family, and discover true happiness.

6. Create jobs for young people: The Pope says we need to be creative with young people; by involving children in household chores; [and] teens in volunteer service projects where they can use their God given gifts and talents […] to prevent them from slipping into drugs and despair.
   
7. Respect and take care of nature: He [also] says, caring for nature can start in our own homes, schools, and workplaces by recycling, reusing, and cutting back on pollutants and waste. Respect and care for nature brings

8. Stop being negative: Constant complaining, biting criticism, backstabbing, and gossip are like poisons that kill Take step to eliminate negativity.

9. Respect others’ beliefs: When we live as authentic witnesses to Christ, other people are attracted by the inner peace and joy that emanate from us.

10. Work for peace: Pray for world peace. Work for peace in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, and places of employment.

Friends, God doesn’t want us to be experts in everything but best in these things: love for our families, others, and God. Let us try practicing Pope Francis’s secrets for happiness in our families and in our personal lives and be prepared to meet the Lord.

• Father Pinto'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.)