Este año que pasó mi familia se reunió para celebrar las bodas de oro de mis padres. En esta celebración me di cuenta del gran regalo y ejemplo que tengo en ellos. Su fidelidad en el amor y su compromiso matrimonial sirvió para que perseveraran en este caminar por 50 años. Al reflexionar más profundamente en este evento, me he dado cuenta que, gracias a ese amor que viven ellos y del cual nace nuestra familia, he podido encontrar y llegar a conocer y entender el amor de Dios.

As we reflect on the journey of this year, we rejoice in the seeds that were planted to grow disciples. We rejoice in the educators who have helped to plant those seeds.

I never grow tired of hearing the Christmas carol “Joy to the World.” Sung by the choir of angels to the surprised shepherds to announce Jesus’ birth, it triumphantly proclaims what happens when God enters our lives.

When I think of family, the image of my parents and siblings comes to mind. One of ten children with seven brothers and two sisters, I come from a prototypical Catholic family of the 1950s. My parents have been married to one another for 65 years and have lived in the same home since 1954. When we gather in the house for family celebrations, more than 75 people attend: children, spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Some have college degrees, but most do not. Some are active Catholics or Protestants while others are not. And from my immediate family, nine are married to their first spouse. While for me this is a “normal” family, I know my understanding varies greatly from most people. But then “normal” is a different experience for every family.

The Easter season speaks new life to us in so many ways. Here in the Midwest, where I live, pansies and crocuses are blooming, seedlings are flourishing, gardeners are preparing the soil for the spring planting, the sun is shining, and joy is in the air.