In order to help us prepare for the World Meeting of Families and the anticipated visit from Pope Francis, a catechism on family life entitled Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive, was prepared. In this and upcoming weeks, we will reflect on the ten chapters of the catechism.
"Love is Our Mission" because love is our origin and destiny. Created in the image of God, a human being is created for communion, which means that loving God and neighbor is the reason for our existence. Catholics believe these things because of Jesus, our bedrock and cornerstone. Jesus suffered and yet persevered in love; he was crucified and yet rose again. In Jesus, we believe that the Creator of the universe became one of us, revealing not only who God is, but also who we are created to be and become. In a world of anxiety and doubt, Jesus is trustworthy. When we follow Jesus, body and soul, even when it hurts and requires sacrifice, we are living lives of integrity, for only in living this way will our lives coincide with the reason for our existence. This brings us great joy. We sin and stumble, but the God we meet in Christ is faithful even when we are not. God's forgiveness is a gift that gives us back to ourselves, enabling us to embrace our mission and destiny anew. Catholic sacraments and moral teachings serve this destiny. The sacraments are a genuine encounter with Christ, while the moral teachings show what Christ-like love looks like in particular situations. Catholic life summons us to heroism and adventure even in ordinary daily life. The world is charged with the beauty and grace of God, and neighbors who need our love and kindness are all around us.
Sexual intimacy between a man and a woman raises the possibility of children. There are many other honorable relationships which include degrees of commitment and affection, but marriage has a unique mission: to integrate the fertility of male and female with the fidelity of God's covenant. Catholic parenting relies on the same rationale as sacramental marriage: love in the shape of service, sacrifice, trust, and openness to God's will. If and when a marriage is blessed with children, love orients parents to their children's education and spiritual formation. Jesus said to his disciples "Let the children come unto me," and it is the responsibility of all Catholic adults to shepherd children into a relationship with God and the people of God. The whole parish should be involved in supporting marriages, families, and children. We build the future of our society child by child, family by family. Vatican II called the family a "domestic church," and the little church of the family takes its orientation from the faith and mission of the larger Church. It is a mother's and a father's responsibility to be with children at home and in church, and to pray together regularly. Children will learn the faith only when they are taught. The way a family responds to adversity, or gathers for meals, or makes financial decisions and set priorities—these and many other aspects of "home economics" shape the values and identities of our children. "Love is our mission" because even in the middle of our humble daily routines, Catholics live with a bold and glorious purpose.