Life in the Wider Family Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka Much of our faith history centers on the extended family. The Twelve Tribes of Israel were family as sons of Jacob. We hear the extensive genealogy of Jesus read at the Christmas Vigil (Mt 1:1-25). The Ten Commandments establish the obligation to honor father and [...]
The Love of Mother and Father Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka Pope Francis describes the love of a mother and father for their child as a "spark of God's love." Rare is the entertainment sitcom that shows the dignity of a man and woman, married with children, united in the joy of family. Most of [...]
Joining with God in the Miracle of New Life Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka Pope Francis reminds us that a woman joins with God in a miracle with each pregnancy. There is nothing like it. Life is a miracle! As scientists give us a picture of a universe billions of years old, human life can [...]
Love Made Fruitful Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka In his message on Love in the Family, Pope Francis says, “Love always gives life.” In a world where death comes from a lack of love in many ways, the Pope looks to the family as a place where love can shine in giving life. Fundamentally, as [...]
Love Through Our Ages: The Transformation of Love Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka About a year ago, the U.S. Census Department released some statistics on marriage duration in this country. There is good news. In 2016, 76% of men and 77% of women were in their first marriage among all currently married adults. By 2014, [...]
submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka I lifted this title from Pope Francis’ writings On Love in the Family. He uses those words to lead into a commentary on the part of St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians describing love in almost musical terms (1 Cor 13:4-7). This is a well-known passage describing the features [...]
By Deacon Jim Krupka In his message On Love in the Family, Pope Francis reflects on the challenges facing families today. He reminds us that there is "no stereotype of the ideal family." In his remarks on the experiences and challenges of families, the Pope conveys the dynamic character of family in modern society. On [...]
By Deacon Jim Krupka Jesus lived his human life in a modest family. For the most part, they did not stand out. They were not destitute nor affluent. As a carpenter’s family, they would have been in the mainstream of Mediterranean society. Most of us are in the same boat, taking on life day-by-day in [...]
By Deacon Jim Krupka I continue to draw from Pope Francis' teaching on love in the family. Moving from his message about marriage, he speaks of children as a source of joy. As husband and wife are the home's foundation, children are the "living stones" that build the structure. The world needs parents and children. [...]
By Deacon Jim Krupka This article begins a series drawing from Pope Francis’ message to the world on love in the family. Early as pope, Pope Francis called on the Church to reflect on the role and challenges of families in modern times. In 2014 and 2015, the Pope assembled two gatherings, called synods, focused [...]