The Catholic Church recently celebrated the Solemnity of the Holy Family, highlighting the theme of self-giving love in family life. Archbishop Peter Loy Chong delivered a poignant message that emphasized the importance of husbands prioritizing their wives’ dignity over their own comfort.
During his sermon titled “The Heart of the Family is a Gift of Self,” Archbishop Chong pointed to Christ’s sacrificial love as the ideal model for family relations. He urged husbands to embrace a selfless approach, stating that a good husband must “die to his own ego and selfishness,” demonstrating love and protection towards his spouse. He noted that true leadership involves being the first to apologize and to serve, thereby fostering a loving and respectful partnership.
Archbishop Chong also suggested that a wife should feel safe in giving of herself only to a husband who genuinely loves her, reinforcing the idea that marriage acts as a pathway to salvation and mirrors Christ’s love demonstrated on the cross. He encouraged couples to engage in practices that promote a supportive environment, such as prioritizing open communication and spiritual growth.
As a meaningful addition to the celebration, several couples took part in renewing their marriage vows, reaffirming their commitment to one another in the spirit of the message.
This heartfelt emphasis on love, understanding, and mutual respect aims to strengthen the bonds within families and, ultimately, create more harmonious communities. The teachings reinforce a hopeful vision of family life, where selflessness and love serve as guiding principles.
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