We were in 4th year Theology when we had our mission immersion to the fisherfolks. One morning on our way to the coast, we stopped at an oyster farm. That day we spent hours working closely with Ernesto, an oyster farmer. Unfortunately, we have never discovered a pearl. Well, that is at least partly because the species of oyster they farm does not cultivate pearls.
Nevertheless, we have discovered a different pearl that is worth far more than anything that an oyster can produce — our friendship and relationship as friends. There is something healthy about working together where there is mutual trust. The respect that has grown between us (seminarians) and Ernesto and his family endures for many years.
The Treasure of Family Bonding
Our relationships with our parents are something to be treasured, respected, and enjoyed. Too often, the busyness of life and the demand of economic reality leads to a weakening of familial ties to the point that they are sometimes lost. If you take notice, most families don’t have time to eat together anymore, no time to watch TV, do house chores, or play together. This is a tremendous loss for both the individual and society. If the family unit is weakened, society is weakened. If the family unit collapses, it won’t be long before this happens to society as well.
We see the results of family breakdown in society today in terms of the lack of respect that children have for their elders, the lack of responsibility in various sectors of society, drugs, alcoholism, and other extreme forms of behavior. We can throw all the money that we want into looking for solutions to these problems, but the only real solution will be derived from the strengthening of the family unit. Restoring relationships within families and instilling the necessary formation into children will stand them in good stead later in life and a better society will emerge.
There is a saying: “Do not spend your health trying to make money because all the money in the world cannot buy back your health.” In a similar line, we can say: “Do not spend your soul trying to gain the world because all that the world contains cannot buy back your soul.” Never get too busy that you do not have quality time for your family.
Holy Spirit, help me to treasure each member of my family, even those I do not get along with so well. Help me to work harder at developing my relationship with them.
Reflection Question
How well do I treasure the relationships within my family? Do I put enough effort into making my relationship grow healthy?
[Readings for Wednesday, Week 18: Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21; Matthew 13:44-46]
Other related articles
- Brotherly Bond
- A Parable About Treasure
- Knowing True Joy
- Treasure in the Heart
- One Family
- The Light of our Families
- Treasure: Reflection on Mathew 6:19-23
- Jesus’ Five Marriage Keys, and Teaching on Divorce
About Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Today, we celebrate Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Order. Happy Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
