Embracing our families here and in Afghanistan

The dictionary, in its definitions of family, includes “all those descended from a common ancestor.” During my years as a priest I have become acquainted with hundreds and hundreds of families.

Many were happy and united.

Others were devastated by the death of a parent, by illness, financial needs, by alcohol or drugs.

What inspired me was how some families coped with problems.

The family members all joined in caring for an elderly parent or caring for a sick member for whatever reason.

Much depends on everyone according to the family in which they were raised.

A program which deserves support is called Bread for the World.

It lobbies Congress for funds to help the most needy in society.

A principle to follow is “when in doubt, do the loving thing.”

American soldiers who served in Afghanistan have a certain family spirit for that troubled country. They risked their lives for it and now see it in the hands of the Taliban, noted for cruelty, especially towards women. Their attitude is not of regret that they served there but that their work now seems undone. There are different political views about how the situation in Afghanistan was handled. I see it for America as a family problem. It is something that challenges us to try to unite and not be further divided from one another.

An example of healing after a difficult division took place in Ireland in 1932.

Ireland had rebelled in 1916 against British rule.

A treaty was signed in 1922, giving freedom from Britain but allowing certain port cities to be controlled by Britain.

Some Irish people were pleased with the treaty.

Others objected to any British rule in Ireland.

Sad to say, a civil war took place and thousands died.

It was a tragedy.

In 1932 there was an international Eucharistic Congress in Dublin.

The leaders of the divided parties met in front of the main altar.

They shook hands and, side by side, walked in a peaceful procession through the streets of Dublin.

Faith had united them and that spirit helped to heal the bitter divisions in the country.

We must not forget to turn to God in faith for the suffering people of Afghanistan.