Dear Friends,
Today, I would like to write a few thoughts concerning unity. In particular, I would like to ponder and encourage the idea of family unity.

We do not have to look far and wide to see that people are oftentimes living for themselves and abandoning relationships that they have with their spouses, children, parents and siblings. There are many reasons for this state of being. Some people have the false notion that their lives are solely their own and they answer to no one. Other people place a higher value on material goods and "fun time friends" than a good relationship with family. Sometimes, our super busy schedule impedes on time that we might spend in the love and company of our families. Let me assure you, my friends, that this is not the plan that God has for us.

God placed us in our families specifically to grow in love. It is in our families that we begin to learn to love other people and we begin to understand the deep and abiding love that our Father in Heaven has for each one of us. When there is family unity, the members of that family experience a steady flow of love, grace and acceptance. When God is the center of our family and we include him in the daily events of our lives, our families become anchored in His love and we are able to experience His strength, patience and calm even when we are faced with turmoil and tough times.

These thoughts on family unity are all well and good but how can we strengthen and improve the relationships we have with our family members. My friends, we can begin this holy endeavor by turning our hearts and minds toward Christ in prayer. Prayer will bring unity to a family in a swift manner. If a family makes a decision to make family prayer a priority, Christ can bestow many graces and peace to that home.

My friends, choose Christ, today, tomorrow and everyday. He will never abandon you and his love will sustain you even in the most difficult of times. Be Christ for others. Let your love and goodness be the light that brings others to a closer relationship with God.

Peace My Friends,
Anthony