Whenever the word “family” is mentioned, it may give the idea that it is about our close and loved ones.
Certainly, the idea of family presumes the experiences of love, unity, understanding, forgiveness and all those expressions that we expect a family to have.
After all, since blood is thicker than water, then it would be expected that family bonds should be deeper than other relationships.
But, it is also an undeniable fact that the ones that can hurt us most are the ones that are closest and dearest to us.
So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when Jesus said this: Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.
That sounds rather disturbing, but that is as real as it can be in life.
But family relationships can also be heart-warming and the family can be a inspiring and edify sign of love and unity.
In the 1st reading, we see how family relationships were tried and tested.
Joseph forgave his brothers for the grave wrong that they did to him.
And the meeting of Israel and his son, Joseph, was such an emotional scene, as they embraced each other and wept for a long time.
Let us ask Jesus to bless our families with love, peace and joy.
May He also protect our families from evil and harm, so that by our family life and family relationships, we will witness to God's love and forgiveness.