“The Lord has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.” (Lk 4:18, Gospel Acclamation)

“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. (Mk 6:50-51)

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God”(1 Jn 4:7)

“Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit whom he gave us.” (1 John 3:24)

With best wishes sent in spirit to the hermitage – and a special prayer on Fr. Jay’s birthday.

Margaret, Editor in Chief

“We saw His star at its rising and have come to do Him homage.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“See what great love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are.” (1 John 3:1)

“Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.  If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.” (1 John 2:24)

It was one year ago when Fr. Jay started writing his short homilies, and said after a couple of days: “Maybe I could continue like that for a year”. As this coincided with his one-year trip away from Poland, his homeland where he is missed much while away, I thought to myself: “Well, what an an excellent idea! No matter what place the Providence throws him in, there will be a message to lean on.” It was also a good challenge for a marathon runner, who had proved so many times that he was capable of making a long-term commitment.

Ever since then the homilies have continued to appear each day. If there were any breaks in the process, they were due only to technical website problems.

We have all sorts of meditations on the Word of God published in lots of places, but what is so wonderful about Fr. Jay’s homilies is that they always rely on the positives. On the faith of God in humanity, on His love, on His infinite proximity and support for us. They never present a crude examination of the Reader’s conscience–as this type of writing sometimes does–but always offer a gentle, loving, father-like assistance instead of “preaching”.

Bearing in mind the Father’s missionary life of a traveller among families on more than one continent, the stories behind those homilies could probably make a separate book of places visited, including most bizarre hot spots where internet was available. All the more, we’re grateful that those short texts continue to flow in and shed light on our daily concerns, offering encouragement and calming down restless hearts.

Happy Anniversary, Fr. Jay! And keep on writing 🙂

Margaret,

The Familty Support Foundation’s Blog Editor in Chief

You can subscribe the homilies to your mailbox using the subscription box on the right side of the blog page.

For the past six months, our “Homily Team” – including Fr. Jay, the writer, Margaret – the editor and administrator, and Roberto – our translator of homilies into Spanish – had the privilege of working together in this rewarding experience of sharing God’s Word.

Today – we want to say “thank you” to Roberto, who is leaving the Team for some time, for his excellent day-to-day work. But also for all that he brought into the Team not only with his expertise, but also with his personality, experience and wisdom.

Thank you, Dear Brother, and we hope to welcome you back soon.

Margaret, the Harbour’s Editor-in-Chief

We wanted so much to write here yesterday that we all could become part of the World Congress of Families audience in Sydney via live broadcasting, but – unlike in Madrid last year –  it is not possible this time. This morning Fr Jay was scheduled to give a talk during the session devoted to the family in the context of work. We hope to be able to hear his talk – “Work-Life Balance: Preserving Dignity, Protecting Family”- in post-conference materials.

Before we get the sign of life from our Fr Jay, whom we proudly count among the Invited Speakers, we would like to present you with some highlights from his talk – which may be important for us all in our thinking about work. And we attach a photo memorizing his preparations for the Congress.

“The need for purposeful activity was written in human heart by God, the first Creator and Artist, who rejoiced each time He looked at the effects of His work.”

“At work you may learn to cooperate, share responsibility, and handle conflict – and all those skills will become your personal asset outside work as well.”

“Sometimes it’s necessary to pose a simple question: “Do we really need this or that item?’ – and give an honest answer, instead of fostering the belief that ‘I have no choice but to slave away day and night at the cost of everything else in order to afford all that’.”

“When you don’t schedule taking care of your relationship into your weekly planner, your marriage will die, and it’s just a matter of time.”

“Someone else may replace you at work, but no one will replace you in taking care of your family’s needs. If you make them happy, you’ll be the happiest person in the world, too.”