Family First

First off a HUGE thanks to my brother Stephen Eguino for these photos from a family photo shoot we did a few weeks ago (Check his stuff out at: http://stepheneguino.com)

Every month, I organize with others The Encounter NYC, and we really take time to reflect upon Pope Francis' prayer intentions for the month as we plan the themes, etc. (http://popesprayerusa.net)

This month of August the Pope speaks about: The treasure of Families, and how "any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity."  This made me sit and reflect on my family... Coming from a minority background with not a lot of money, and working so hard not only in ministry, but just in being able to provide I've taken time to step back; reflect; and really see where it is that I could dedicate more time, be more kind, patient, and gentle in my role as the man of the house.

Speaking honestly and transparently, sometimes we don't have all the money to do the nice vacations, and have too many things (we live in a small two bedroom apartment here in the Bronx, NYC) so it becomes overwhelming feeling like I am not able to fully complete my duties as the man of the home.  Also, how I sometimes spend so much time trying to impact my community and the world, that I forget as Mother Theresa says "If you want to change the whole world, go home and love your family."

The truth is... it's hard. And many times it seems like an uphill battle with no armor that the world seems to not even appreciate. At times it even feels like the Church itself has lost its sense of manhood/masculinity, and doesn't even value it any more.  Even more so, although I have a great community, spiritual director, and other young men in my corner at times it even gets lonely.

Last week without even telling my wife, I joined with another brother in faith in this Novena to St. Joseph which I plan to do again very soon where it speaks of the "Silent suffering of St. Joseph" which seemed to hit me hard as many times it seems I must also bear these crosses silently.

I invite all of my fellow brothers to do as I have, in turning to St. Joseph in that he may bring our petitions to Jesus for the strength, endurance, and patience needed in our roles as men.  May we put our families first, and bear our crosses silently for the redemption of our world.  Amen.

- The Symbol
- All is Love