< <  

Saturday, February 13, 2016

  > >
Isaiah 58:9-14
Psalm 86:1-6
Luke 5:27-32

View Readings
Similar Reflections

restoring ruined families

"They shall call you, 'Restorer of ruined homesteads.' " —Isaiah 58:12

Family life has been in disarray for many years. We like to think that the families of the last generation were better than the families of today. Even if this is true, "better" does not mean "good." Look at the alcoholism, abuse, and racism which has characterized so many families for many generations. Family life has been and continues to be in ruins.

However, the good news for this Lent is: "The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake, and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up; 'Repairer of the breach,' they shall call you, 'Restorer of ruined homesteads' " (Is 58:12). If we let Jesus be the Lord of Lent, if we imitate His forty-day fast, if we repent of our sins, if we accept the Lord's grace to forgive one another, and if we believe that nothing is impossible with God (Lk 1:37), then the ancient ruins of family life will be repaired and rebuilt.

God still desires to make holy families, who will lead the Church in the third millennium and prepare the world for His final coming. The devil has been trying to prevent the Lord from restoring these families and making them holy. Although Satan has been able to ruin some families and to delay the fulfillment of God's plan for family life, Satan cannot stop God. The Lord is making holy families, and this Lent He is making them even from broken and ruined families. Be a part of the family-miracle the Lord is doing at this moment.

Prayer:  Father, through the intercession of Mary and Joseph, make our families holy.

Promise:  "Leaving everything behind, Levi stood up and became His follower." —Lk 5:28

Praise:  After two generations, Clarence's great-grandchildren are returning to the Church.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Family Prayer, listen to or download our CD 59-1 or DVD 59-CH-2 at presentationministries.com or order our tape on audio AV 59-1 or video V-59.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 28, 2015

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.