Mi Familia

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3 ESV). Yesterday I used my “Irish” name to draw attention to the blessings of God as His child. Today I thought I give equal time to my Italian heritage. My paternal grandparents immigrated to this country from Cefula, Sicily. It is a beautiful seaside village in the Province of Palermo that is predominantly known as a tourist destination. It is also know for some of the finest dining in the area. From small family owned cafes to large restaurants, the food and pleasant atmosphere makes for a very familiar dining experience. It reminds me of how I was raised. The “familia” was everything. It was a central influence that carried a strong sense of commitment with it. I have heard it said, that you can always count on being an Italian’s friend for life because they don’t know any other way. Once someone is in our life, it’s hard to walk away. I was raised to be committed to someone, to be loyal, to understand that my name and my family’s name were represented by my actions. For me that translates to steadfastness in my walk with the Lord. I am His child, adopted into His family, and I represent Him in all I do. Certainly this is what the apostle alludes to in our reading today. Having just returned from a small family reunion I am reminded how easy it is to forget the length of time we were separated geographically and practically start right where we left off the last time we saw one another. That situation is created by the sense of family. I had not seen one of my cousins in more than twelve years, though we had talked by phone in that interim; yet, we were able to sit on the veranda and visit as if no time had passed at all. I wonder if that’s not a small glimpse of what heaven will be life when I first get there. I wonder if all of those whom I have known and loved so dearly will simply sit a while with me and talk as if we had not been separated at all. I wonder if they will just start catching me up on all the news from my absence. However it shall be, I do know that it will be my family. It will be all those who are my family by physical blood and those by the blood of Jesus! Now that will be some family!