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Angels as narrated in the Bible usually bring special messages to the chosen people. They have spoken to patriarchs and others announcing births, proclaiming a new event or commissioning persons for a new task. In the New Testament angels appeared to Zachary and Mary to announce the birth of their wonderful sons, John the precursor and Jesus. In the readings, angels are also God's servants who always see the face of the heavenly Father and are sent to protect children. An angel was commissioned to lead Israel out of Egypt and rescue them from hostile nations. The angels are protectors and guard us in all our ways. As we do not see God, the angels give concrete form to His goodness and power. These great and good forces are seen to work with us in the world. They are fully involved in our history of salvation in Christ. Everything said about them in the Scripture proclaim the marvelous truth that God is concerned about us in every possible way. As if to counteract the widespread demonism and satanism in the world today, current books have dealt with angels and their contacts with humans. Even a recent popular TV show dramatized how people can be "touched by an angel." The Bible and art through the ages have depicted these heavenly beings sharing our struggle against the powers of evil and sin. Lord, help us to understand how You guide us and protect us through their mediation. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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That young married couples may be sustained by the example and assistance of their parents and other families
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The testimony and help that parents and other families must offer to sustain young married couples finds its place in the ambit of post-matrimonial pastoral care. Parents and other families are the most suited to offer this assistance to young spouses because clearly they have lived personally the values which they must transmit. These parents show faithfulness through living in the best possible way the commitments assumed during their marriage. One could ask, but why is it necessary for young couples to be sustained by the testimony of their parents and other families? The answer is, because today there are many negative attitudes which scandalise and discourage young people. Being new to the condition of matrimonial life they need advice, encouragement, moral support, correction and prayer. They cannot be left alone or abandoned in this phase of their lives. Couples need to take advantage of the wealth of the experience and wisdom of their parents. "The pastoral action of the Church must be progressive, also in the sense that it must accompany the family, following it step by step in the various stages of its formation and development," (Familiaris Consortio n65, 69). | |
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