The holiday season is upon us, and with that usually comes big family gatherings. These gatherings give us a chance to catch up with one another, rejoice in each other’s joys, and grow in familial love for one another. This year, however, is different: the ongoing pandemic has forced some of us to stay home, avoid travel, and protect ourselves and others. Big family gatherings and holiday meals may not happen for many this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still strengthen the familial bond of love. The demands of the pandemic offer us a chance to reflect on the true meaning of family love and what it means to be present to one another:
“The family is present as the place where communion — that communion so necessary for a society that is increasingly individualistic — is brought about. It is the place where an authentic community of persons develops and grows, thanks to the endless dynamism of love, which is the fundamental dimension of human experience and which finds in the family the privileged place for making itself known.” (St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio)
Saint John Paul II defines the role of the family as a communion of love, a beautiful image that is all but lost on the world today. When we compare this image with the reality of quarantines, social distancing, and avoidance of public gatherings, we’re left feeling discouraged and alone. How do we embrace our families, if we can’t be with them? Are Zoom meetings and virtual gatherings the only option now? If the answer is yes, then we’re missing the point.
The Church teaches that the family is the vital cell of society. The family is where the human person is educated. Children are taught the importance of practicing the virtues, love of neighbor, and love of God (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 209-210). The family is where we learn that life is not solely about the individual, but about the familial whole. Love is at the heart of the family. It is out of love that children are educated, virtue develops, and neighbors help each other out. Society is built on the love of family.
The pandemic presents many challenges to these teachings. If we can’t be physically present to one another, how do we grow in these areas? How do we grow in the bond of love for one another? We have to find creative ways to be present to one another when physical presence is not possible.
Even though the pandemic has us isolating from our extended family and protecting our immediate family, we can still be present to each other and strengthen this familial bond of love. Just one possible way to show this love is to be spiritually present, and to pray for one another.
Praying for a family member helps us to see the good in them. It recognizes their human dignity. The recognition of this goodness and dignity strengthens the family unit. In addition, as both members draw near to God, they grow closer to one another because they recognize they share the most important thing in common, having the same best friend: God. Loving our family in this way helps us grow in love for others.
The holidays this year are definitely different. We can’t all be physically present to one another, but the dynamic of love can and should still be expressed for our families. Love is the bond that keeps the family together. We can’t let the challenges of the pandemic weaken or sever this bond. Ultimately, we must remember that our presence to one another in prayer, brings us into the presence of God as the Father says, “For where two or three are gathered, in my name, I am there among them” (Matt 18:20).
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Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
