go home and love your family

 Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Malachi 3:1-4:6. This is the last passage in the Old Testament, and ends our readings from the One Year Bible this year. Starting tomorrow, we'll be reading about the saint whose feast day it is every day.

But today we read a very instructive and illuminating verse in Malachi 4:6. The very last verse of the Bible says that the hearts of the fathers will return to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.

That brings to mind the quote from Mother Teresa, who said, "Do you want to change the world? Go home and love your family." Tolstoy said something similar: "Everyone thinks of changing the world - no one thinks of changing himself." So that is something you can make your new years resolution. To change yourself into someone who loves your family. And loving your family will change the world. 

It's not easy for everyone. Some people have an easier time of loving their families. Others will find it almost impossible, because some families are very unlovable. 

But remember that loving your family doesn't mean having warm fuzzy thoughts about them. It means doing kind things for them. Praying for them. And wanting the best for them. Sometimes, with some families, the best you can do to love them is pray for them and be kind when you are around them, but keeping your distance. Some families are unhealthy and spending more time with them hurts you, them, and your relationship. So pray for discernment, so that God can work in your relationship and heal your family.

God, thanks for giving us families. Please heal them.