Posted by The WORD in other words (2019) by Fr Jun Javines SVD – Palawan
December 21 -Advent
In the first few pages of the Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC) there is a sub-title in the form of a question: Who is a Filipino Catholic? One of the answers is “A Filipino Catholic is Family-Oriented.”
This relates concretely to the spirit of the Gospel today which narrates the visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. One can presuppose that the visit which was done in haste was to provide much needed support to her cousin who must have been wondering and grasping for answers to God‘s generosity to her in her old and barren age. Indeed, support system is a vital ingredient in the context of being a “family oriented.”
What makes it even more extraordinary is that Mary herself despite the inner struggle she was experiencing in trying to fully grasp the news delivered to her by an angel went out of her way to visit and much more to provide support to her next of kin.
Christmas is just a stone‘s throw away. For some families coming together will remain a wishful thinking, due to professional or financial reasons.
How can we demonstrate our support to them? Support systems can be exhibited in many ways. Perhaps, we can go out of our way to let them feel that God is Emmanuel, God-with-us.
