Via Lucis

Via Lucis (Way of Light)

Synodality and the Family

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Jesus is risen. As we follow Jesus begin a new journey with His disciples at the end of His physical and earthly life, we also begin a new journey of faith in Him as the Risen Christ. We will no longer hear of Jesus physically healing the blind, the lame, the mute, the lepers, the deaf, all other sickness and even raising the dead but a resurrected Christ nourishing the faith of the people. Though His disciples were told to go to Galilee and there He will meet them, we will no longer hear of  Jesus preaching at the “Mount”; nor will we hear of Him speaking in parables about the Kingdom of God but a community of believers now speaking of Him, proclaiming all the things they learned about Him. Let us journey with faith toward a new path with Jesus. We will trace how He was with people in a new way, performing new signs, moving to new places, and marking new events. Let us follow Jesus in these new things and reflect on the stations of His Resurrection. This will be our new journey, the Way of Light.

Stations of the Resurrection

First Station

Jesus Rises from the Dead

Intention: We Pray for all Families in the World

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “The angel of the Lord said to the women: ‘Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking for Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said.’” (Matthew 28: 5b-6a).

Reflection: In our desire for synodality, we walk together by praying for all families in the world. It is a blessing for us to pray for others especially for families who have no one to pray for them. The Church remembers the gift of family to every person because every family is a basic unit of the Church. Pope Francis said “the Joy of Love experienced by families is also the joy of the Church.” (AL 1)

Prayer: Lord, all new things come from You. The Resurrection of Christ, Your Son was the greatest sign of all the new things You give to the world. Bless all families who experience the new joy of family life and provide newly wed couples the capacity to face the new challenges they meet in every family undertaking.  Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Second Station

The Disciples Discover the Empty Tomb

Intention: We Pray for Families Gifted with Newborn Babies

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed” (John 20: 8).

Reflection: Babies are gifts from the Lord because they are tangible signs of life. Each baby to be born in the family should be seen as the fruit of love and the joy of one’s dreams. A baby does not grow of his or her own but by the accompaniment of the parents, relatives, friends, and even the Church. From the moment of conception, God participates in the life of a person. A pregnant woman can participate in God’s plan by preparing the future of her child. “For nine months every mother and father dreams about their child… You can’t have a family without dreams. Once a family loses the ability to dream, children do not grow, love does not grow, life shrivels up and dies” (AL 169)

Prayer: Lord, the future of humanity largely depends on Your mercy. Provide protection and care for mothers who have just given birth. Bless their joy and may they not forget to be grateful to You as the source of new life. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Third Station

The Lord Appears to Mary Magdalene

Intention: We Pray for Families With Elderly

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “She turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?’ She thought He was the gardener and said to Him, ‘Sir, if you carried Him away, tell me where you laid Him, and I will take Him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni,’ which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, ‘Stop holding on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’ Mary of Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord,’ and what He told her” (John 20: 14b-18).

Reflection: Most families enjoy the presence of the elderly with them. The elderly are not only dependents but they are also considered gifts to every family. “Most families have great respect for the elderly, surrounding them with affection and considering them a blessing.” (AL 48) Yet we have to be in solidarity with the elderly who are vulnerable and who feel unimportant in the family and society. They need our presence and company. Let us walk together with them especially in the final years of the live. As God hears the cry of the poor, He also desires that we also hear the cry of the elderly.

Prayer: Lord, we pray for the elderly as they face the final stages of life. We know how painful it is if care and concern are not fairly given to them. May our prayers ease their anxities and may their hope in You give them resilience in their trials. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Fourth Station

The Risen Lord Appears on the Road to Emmaus

Intention: We Pray for Families Having Children with Special Needs

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:“...It happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus Himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him... And He said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are!  How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!  Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into His glory?’  Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them what referred to Him in all the scriptures” (Luke 24: 15, 25-27).

Reflection: Families having children with special needs yearn for our understanding, solidarity, friendship and people to listen to them in the midst of their pains and sacrifices. The resurrection of the Lord provides us the hope that our sacrifices will be rewarded. Families with children having special needs are brave enough to sacrifice and to die to themselves that their children may live and be happy. Pope Francis says: “families of persons with special needs, where the unexpected challenge of dealing with a disability can upset a family’s equilibrium, desires and expectations… Families who lovingly accept the difficult trial of a child with special needs are greatly to be admired. They render the Church and society an invaluable witness of faithfulness to the gift of life.” (AL 47)

Prayer: Lord, families who take care of their children having special needs are examples of fortitude, generosity, and love. As you died on the Cross and rose from death that we may live, help us learn from parents who are strong enough to sacrifice themselves that their children may experience the beauty of life. Help us to learn from their examples that we may be a blessing to those in need. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Fifth Station

The Risen Lord is Recognized in the Breaking of the Bread

Intention: We Pray for Families Experiencing Disintegration

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “ ...They urged Him, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.’  So He went in to stay with them.  And it happened that while He was with them at the table, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.  With that, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, but He vanished from their sight.  Then they said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us’” (Luke 24: 29-32).

Reflection: Families who are experiencing alarming levels of fragmentation and division become victims of the current trends of individualism, secularism, and materialism. The lack of cohesion in the family is a disgrace to the children. Children will lack the sense of direction of life when there is the lack of love and the unity is supposed to be experienced in the family. In many cases, parents come home exhausted, not wanting to talk, and many families no longer even share a common meal. (AL 50) Walking and being together with children especially in their formative years and by guiding them will always lead them towards fulfillment of their dreams. When they encounter a healthy family and community that walk with them, they easily mature and become true persons to each other.

Prayer: Lord, it is not Your will that the bonds of marriage among couples be threatened by individualism. It is not even Your will that there exists animosity between parents and children. We pray for families who are experiencing pain because of division and disintegration. Help our children to be strong in the midst of their vulnerability and protect them in their moments of curiosity. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Sixth Station

The Risen Lord Appears to the Community of Disciples

Intention: We Pray for Families Caught in Conflict and War

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “Why are you troubled?  And why do questions arise in your hearts?  Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself.  Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have,’ And as He said this, He showed them His hands and His feet”  (Luke 24: 38-40).

Reflection: It is very human and natural for people to seek refuge and security in life. Many families have been displaced due to conflicts and wars, and they need our help.
They long for people to accompany them in their struggles and pains. The experience of being lost, being rejected, and being an eyewitness of those killed becomes traumatic to them. The Church should be a refuge to those who seek shelter and help. For us, this should be an opportunity to forget ourselves and show love to those who directly experience the atrocities of war. When we forget others who are in need and just focus on our selfish wellbeing, then we are at odds with the law of God. St. Augustine said: “a conflict between two loves: the love of God to the point of disregarding self, and the love of self to the point of disregarding God.”

Prayer: Lord, it is uncomfortable to be away from home especially when we are forcibly uprooted from the place where we live and work. We pray for families who experience the savagery of war. Many are displaced and are uprooted from their place of origin because of war and conflicts. Help us accompany and help them in their deepest experience of distress. May Your powerful hand guide them to a place of peace. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Seventh Station

The Risen Lord Breathes Peace and Gives the Power to Forgive

Intention: We pray for Families who are Volunteers in Church Ministries

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’... The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.  Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained’” (John 20: 19b, 20b-23).

Reflection: It is noteworthy to witness members in the family giving time and sharing their gifts by serving in the different ministries to widen the participation of people in the liturgical services of the parish. This should be promoted by encouraging, accompanying, and inspiring them rather than hindered or disfavored by selfish and self-referential motives. Pope Francis promotes participation of families in the ministries of the Church through selfless service and he observed that “many put their talents at the service of the Christian community through charity and volunteer work.” (AL 158)

Prayer: Lord, we are filled with amazement when members of the family serve in the different ministries of the Church. Help us appreciate their dedication and their love for the People of God. Help us become Your missionary disciples as we learn more from them the sense of sacrifice and altruism. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Eighth Station

The Risen Lord Strengthens the Faith of Thomas

Intention: We Pray for Families Having Members in the Priestly and Religious Life

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “Thomas…was not with them when Jesus came... Thomas said, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into His side, I will not believe’...Jesus came...and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be with you.’  Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put it into My side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe’…Blessed are those who do not see and yet believe.” (John 20: 24-29).

Reflection: The priestly and religious life of a person does not begin in a vacuum but it begins in the context of a community of persons. It begins specifically in the family. Members of the family who enter the religious formation houses or the seminary find the foundation of their vocation in the family. Priests and religious men and women have their family as their first seminary. “The vocation usually grows within the context of a community, in which the seminarian has had significant experience of faith. For this reason, initial priestly formation must keep this influence in mind.” (Ratio Fundamentalis no 148).

Prayer: Lord, we lift up to You those families who generously gave their sons and daughters for the Church through the priestly and religious life. Protect our priests and religious in the midst of the challenges they face in their vocation. Amen.

 Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Ninth Station

The Risen Lord Eats with His Disciples at the Shore of Tiberias

Intention: We Pray for Families who Do Not Have Children

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish you just caught.’  So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish.  Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.  Jesus said to them, ‘Come, have breakfast.’  And none of His disciples dared to ask Him, ‘Who are You?’ because they realized it was the Lord” (John 21: 10-12).

Reflection: Many parents lost their children in different ways like miscarriage, death, and imprisonment. Some parents could not even bear a child for varied reasons. The loneliness they feel and the depression they experience are painful which calls us to pray for them to show how concerned we are for them. For those who could not have children, God will provide other ways for them to be happy. But it has to be noted that “even in cases where, despite the intense desire of the spouses, there are no children, marriage still retains its character of being a whole manner and communion of life, and preserves its value and indissolubility”. (AL 178)

Prayer: Lord, we pray for spouses who could not have children. Comfort them in their need and provide them always with the happiness which only You can give. Hear their prayers and bless those families who even lost their members in their young age. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Tenth Station

The Risen Lord Forgives Peter and Entrusts Him to Feed His Sheep

Intention: We Pray for Families Experiencing Disparity of Cult

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’... Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ and he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know everything, You know that I love You.’  Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep... Follow Me’” (John 21: 15, 17b, 19b).

Reflection: Members of Catholic families who profess different faiths are challenging to the Church today. In many circumstances, families disintegrate because one’s faith might different from the other. Today in many parts of the world, marriages between Catholics and non-baptized persons are growing in numbers. Because of religious freedom, we witness many marriages consisting of a non-baptized partner and a Catholic spouse who profess another religion, and his beliefs are to be treated with respect in accordance with the principles set out in the Second Vatican Council. (FC 78). We have to pray for families suffering from disintegration even due to faith and religion.

Prayer: Lord, we lift up to You the families whose members become alienated from each other due to the different professions of faith. May the respect of one’s freedom of religion be carried out with love and prudence. Guide those families who are in discord due to different belongingness and affiliations. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Eleventh Station

The Risen Lord Sends His Disciples into the World

Intention: We Pray for Unemployed and Members of the Family who are Behind Bars

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age”  (Matthew 28: 19-20).

Reflection: Unemployment is one of the disturbing problems in the world during these pandemic times. Poverty has also forced people to end up behind bars. The problems of migration contribute to the expansion of poverty. Sadly, these realities are present in many countries today, where the lack of employment opportunities takes its toll on the serenity of family life. (AL 25) We have to be reminded that we have always the vocation to pray for families who are experiencing new forms of poverty because of  unemployment. We pray for families having pains because a member is behind bars.

Prayer: Lord, You hold the past, the present, and the future. We pray for families who are suffering because of unemployment and imprisonment. We implore You to provide the basic needs of families especially those living below the poverty line and those in isolation. Listen to their pleas and attend to those who pin their hopes only in You. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Twelfth Station

The Risen Lord Ascends into Heaven

Intention: We Pray for Single Parents

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “So then the Lord Jesus, after He spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took His seat at the right hand of God.  But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs” (Mark 16: 19-20).

Reflection: Single parenthood is one of the realities of the times. In many difficult contexts, many single parents work hard and make sacrifices for the welfare of their children. Pope Francis commented by saying: “if a single mother has to raise a child by herself and needs to leave the child alone at home while she goes to work, the child can grow up exposed to all kind of risks and obstacles to personal growth. In such difficult situations of need, the Church must be particularly concerned to offer understanding, comfort, and acceptance, rather than imposing straightaway a set of rules that only lead people to feel judged and abandoned by the very Mother called to show them God’s mercy.” (AL 49)

Prayer: Lord, accompany single parents in their journey of life. In the vicissitudes of life’s contexts, make them always sturdy in their struggles that they may provide the needs of the future and be good examples to their children. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Thirteenth Station

Mary and the Disciples Wait for the Spirit

Intention: We Pray for Families with Sick and Disabled Members

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “When they entered the city, they went to the upper room where they were staying... All the apostles devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers” (Acts 1: 13a, 14).

Reflection: Every family will have the chance to experience the care for its sick members. Our presence and prayers are much needed to accompany them well. The responsibility of caring for the sick and disabled is the vocation of every family. Thus, in times of sickness, the solidarity that is expressed by every member can be the source of healing. For “fraternity in families is especially radiant when we see the care, the patience, the affection that surround the little brother or sister who is frail, sick or disabled” (AL 195).

Prayer: Lord, during your public ministry you have revealed Yourself to the people as the remedy to those who are blind, mute, deaf, lame, and the sick. Continue Your work of healing for the sick and disabled family members and make them feel that your presence and your heart are so near to them. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Fourteenth Station

The Risen Lord Sends the Holy Spirit

Intention: We Pray for Couples who Celebrate their Silver, Golden, and Diamond Anniversaries

Leader: We adore You, O Christ and we praise You!

All: Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: “... Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house.  Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim”  (Acts 2: 2-4).

Reflection: Fidelity becomes a precious tangible gift for couples who reached 25, 50 and 60 years of their married life. The Church delights in couples who manifest their love through faithfulness to their families and to their marriage bond.  We note that the family, which is founded and given life by love, is a community of persons: of husband and wife, of parents and children, of relatives. Its first task is to live with fidelity the reality of communion in a constant effort to develop an authentic community of persons (FC 18).

Prayer: Lord, couples become faithful to each other because You are first and foremost faithful to them. We are joyful as we witness our parents celebrate the grace of their wedding anniversaries. Priests, religious, and other consecrated persons become also more inspired and faithful because they witness couples who are faithful to their married vocations. Continue to make us witnesses of fidelity and help us reinforce each other to be faithful to You. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory...

*Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.

*Alleluia, Your mercy be upon us.

Concluding Prayer

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendor of true love;
to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again experience
violence, rejection and division;
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God’s plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
Graciously hear our prayer.

Amen.