Comments on: Tuesday, May 28, 2019 – All His Family

By: A

Wed, 29 May 2019 01:21:12 +0000

Yes, Chris, I feel the sane way: I should pay more attention to what Jesus said (Gospels) than to Paul’s or others’ letters and the Acts. Still important, but look at the disagreements in the early Church that they depict.

By: Anonymoose

Anonymoose — Tue, 28 May 2019 19:21:26 +0000

Thank you, Bob for the reminder on attacks on families. I often worry about the destruction of families. How each member is affected by alcohol, drugs, rivalry, animosity, etc. I need to remember to continue to pray for family members who’ve been away from the church and God.
Adore Jesus!!!

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 28 May 2019 16:31:07 +0000

A, interesting observation. Whenever I have read that passage, I’ve always ASSUMED, it meant his wife and children. But the passage says: “you and your household will be saved.” Household could mean servants, parents, siblings, etc. The passage concludes: “then he and all his family were baptized at once.” In our day, if we used the word ‘family’, we are talking about the family unit: husband, wife, children. In Jesus’ day, ‘family’ consisted of cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents, even those who were not related. And more than likely there were children in that household. It is a lovely thought, though, that the ‘wife and teenagers were transformed by grace’. We all hope for that. My aunt whose adult children have all left the church, recently expressed how unhappy she was that all five of them no longer attend church, they range in age from 60 – 70. So they are not teenagers! I know my cousins very well, having grown up with them. They have been married to the same spouse for many years (one just celebrated 45 years!), some have children. They have loving and stable lives. While they do not go to church, they do believe in God. Their reasons for not going to church varies.

Bob, made an interesting point “What began in violence, ended in a glorious victory for God”. For God, not for the church. We keep missing the point, are we baptized for God or for the church? Are we celebrating Jesus’ life, death and resurrection for God, or for the church? Are we doing these things to please human beings, or God.

A, your observation made me read Acts again. One passage that now concerns me is this one “trembling with fear, (…) he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.” Sounds to me like the Jailer converted out of fear. If we look at the history of the church, and not just the Catholic church, people were forced to convert, some were even bribed. Now they are rebelling. Churches are now feeling the effects of these rebellions. Churches today are in a state of turmoil. So for me, while I love to read about Paul’s missionary journeys and all that he accomplished, I am more inclined to pay more attention to the Gospels. Once again, Jesus is promising that the Advocate will come to them. The Church, through the Gospel readings, are lighting are path to the advent of Pentecost.

Come Holy Spirit, enlighten, guide, protect us. Amen

God bless

By: A

Tue, 28 May 2019 14:48:22 +0000

In essence, I agree with you, Bob, but I must say that you have put a lot of imagination into what happened at that jailer’s house. Do we know he had a wife? Do we know he had children? Do we know they were teenagers? No to all three questions. That’s your imagination running away with you, Bob.

Thr jailer’s household could have consisted of him and his siblings (compare Mary, Martha, and Lazarus). It could have had slaves that did not willingly get baptized, but had no choice in the matter, and the results were not as rosy as you hope they were (compare missionaries baptizing Indigenous people and robbing them of their religion and culture). It may or may not have been as you played it out, Bob. Nothin wrong in imagining the details, but we all have imaginations.

However, I fully agree with JPII’s statement about Satan attacking families. I actually feel it. Maybe the word “possessed” is too strong for describing how I feel when I’m yelling at my kids sometimes, but wow… does it ever not feel like me. I’m too caught up in the moment and my anger causes me to yell, and afterward, I’m shocked at the anger I felt.

The Lord has blessed us with many revelations of His presence, and that’s why I suspect that the evil one is trying to take us down. I have taken steps to be more gentle with my kids, and they are working.

For any fellow parents who find themselves in the same boat, I recommend reading No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel (psychiatrist) and Tina Payne Bryson (pediatric and adolescent psychotherapist). It has changed my thoughts about discipline from angry punishment to gentle, loving teaching. (I’m not affiliated with them, so I won’t be getting anything from this plug, check out a free copy from your library, although you may have to place yourself on a holds waiting list – it’s that popular).

By: J

Tue, 28 May 2019 10:44:19 +0000

A great challenge for me to live.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 28 May 2019 09:45:10 +0000

When we put family first we also put our faith first. Our family life is the pillar of society. Without it all will crumble. The story told in Acts today highlights bringing families together through Christ. Thanks Bob for another wonderful reflection.

By: Norbert Adekaldu

Norbert Adekaldu — Tue, 28 May 2019 07:47:08 +0000

Each time we make a decision for Jesus, a wave of grace is released into each member of our families. These are prophetic words. Thank you Bob.

By: Cecilia

Cecilia — Tue, 28 May 2019 06:34:55 +0000

Tks Bob for your reflections. Indeed, our faith – based decisions have tremendous positive effects on our families