Holy Family feast

Feast of the Holy Family ... the octave of Christmas is coming to an end. So is 2012. Just when we hope to end the year on a happy note, we hear of more persecution of christians. This time in Iran - a pastor is re-arrested and re-imprisoned.  http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=297740  The situation in Syria is absolutely appalling as we receive news that there's no flour or bread in many cities. People are starving. And the winter cold is hitting hard. In Egypt the new pro-Islamic constitution is sending shockwaves of fear among christians as persecutions will be the inevitable result.

Sunset over the Sea of Galilee

Healthwise my asthma is keeping me awake all night. And I'm not the only one. Practically everyone I know who has asthma is suffering from it this week. It's the weather and the pollution. But in my case, the docs say it's the polyps and messed-up septum that's causing the severe asthma attacks ... plus allergy to canary poo. Was at the hospital for 2 days to have tests done. Diabetes, BP and cholesterol are high but still below the highest limit, so I'm safe for the moment.

As the year drags to its inevitable end, we recall with thanks for all the good ... and bad that we experienced this year. Everything happens for a reason, and every time it is an occasion to grow and learn. Perhaps that's what the Holy Family feast is all about - family is where one grows and learns in "wisdom, grace and stature" (today's gospel).