Pope Francis' Encylical "Fratelli Tutti"

Pope Francis' concern for the common good of humanity is well expressed in his latest letter. His overview of the challenges of our times offers cautions for every family and individual.

Countering these social realities with hope, Francis adds strong emphasis on the role of parents in the family as he has in past writings. This quote reveals his high value of the family in God's sight:
“All of the love that God has in Himself, all of the beauty that God
has in Himself, all of the truth that God has in Himself, He gives
to the family. And a family is truly a family when it is able
to open Its arms and receive all of this love.”

The family as the "Domestic Church" is a common theme of our popes. The reflection of Christ's birth, formative life in the home of Mary and Joseph, his chosen humble service, death and reserruction are celebrated daily in each family that keeps God at the center. The family makes the Incarnated Christ real in daily interactions, patience, self-sacrifice and joyful interactions.

The family, in Pope Francis' vision reflected in this encyclical, "Fratelli Tutti," is the locus for creating the future community, for building the Kingdom of God. This takes imagination, hopeful perspective, faith in God's providence. Family members working together, and reaching out to others in community forms the strength of our future. "Fratelli Tutti" is recommended reading!

Ponder on these words from the encyclical:

“Here we have a splendid secret that shows us how to dream and to turn our life into a wonderful adventure. No one can face life in isolation… We need a community that supports and helps us, in which we can help one another to keep looking ahead.

How important it is to dream together… By ourselves, we risk seeing mirages, things that are not there. Dreams, on the other hand, are built together.