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Mary Rejoicing, Rachel Weeping: Family Reflection Video

Mary Rejoicing, Rachel Weeping: Family Reflection Video

Healing the family  |  Seasonal Reflections

It is a strange week…

Christmas week is so jarring: it begins with great joy at the birth of Our Lord, but then the following days mark executions of martyrs and innocents. Mary is rejoicing for the birth of her son, while Rachel cries for her fallen children. Both are still created in God’s love.

Think about how families are “dysfunctional.” If you think this applies to yours, welcome to the family! The wonder of the savior born among us this season brings hope and consolation for all those who have been blessed to be a part of a family.

How do you make sense of this week?

O Heavenly Father, we pray for peace in our souls and for the souls of those suffering. Amen.

For additional reading: Today’s ReadingsFeast of the Holy Innocents

About Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.

Father Wilfred J. Raymond, C.S.C. (Father Willy), a native of Old Town, Maine, is the eighth of 12 children. He joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1964 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Stonehill College in 1967 and a master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. He served in ministry at Stonehill College (1979-1992), Holy Cross leadership (1994-2000), National Director of Family Theater Productions, Hollywood (2000-2014), and President of Holy Cross Family Ministries (2014-2022). In addition to English, he is conversant in French and Spanish. He remains a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, even though he has served as Chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers.