Our families come in all shapes and sizes. A family can simply be two spouses. In all families, there are periodic arguments, misunderstandings, power struggles for attention, hurt feelings. Arguments often occur when people are overtired, stressed, and/or hungry. It is a rare moment when EVERYBODY is at peace!
We can begin being a peacemaker in our family by first praying for the grace to consciously and attentively welcome Jesus into our family. Pope Francis says,
"...this is the great mission of the family: to make room for Jesus who is coming, to welcome Jesus in the family, in each member: children, husband, wife, grandparents. Jesus is there. Welcome him there, in order that he may grow spiritually in the family."
What would happen in our families if we personally constantly reminded ourselves that Jesus lives in each of our family members? What would happen in our families if we verbally taught our children and other family members that Jesus lived in each of them? How would we think about each other? What would we say to each other? How would we act towards each other?
And if there are serious arguments, God calls us to become proactive peace-makers. Pray for the special grace to be able to speak to those who have separated themselves from each other, to urge them to listen to each other and truly hear each other, to urge them to reconcile. This is not an easy role to take because often people grow angry at us for trying to be peacemakers. But it is our way of suffering as Jesus did, who lived and died for peace. In our prayers for our alienated family members, we are spiritually stretching out our arms as a bridge to bring them close and connected once more.
Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to bring new life into the world. He will bring new, peaceful, loving life into our families if we welcome him there. And peace, even more than war, is contagious. If one family consciously prays and works to see Jesus in each family member, that loving peacefulness spreads to other families who witness it - and desire this for their own families.
May our hearts be as empty as our empty mangers, waiting for and welcoming Jesus to fill them, Jesus the Source of Peace and the Peace-Maker.
May we love every one of our family members, even those whom we find hard to like, remembering that Jesus lives in each one, and also died and rose for each one. May we pray for their well-being, pray for their salvation. May we talk to and smile at each member of our family with gentleness, patience, respect and compassion as we welcome Jesus in them.