Idirghuí
May expectant mothers who are either considering, or actively engaged in arranging foster care or adoption, be strengthened by the grace of God in embracing this loving option for life.
Paidreacha
Ár nAthair, 3 Sé do bheatha, a Mhuire, Glóir Don Athair
Machnamh
It is challenging for a mother, having brought her child to birth, to let that child go to someone else’s home. There can be feelings of sadness, or even guilt. But parents who choose adoption often exemplify the sacrificial love of Jesus, putting the needs of their child first, even at great cost to themselves. We also consider those parents who, through their generosity of spirit are ready to embrace new life through adoption or foster care.
Today let us reflect on Saint Joseph: the evangelists Matthew and Luke present him as the foster father of Jesus, and not as his biological father. Joseph shows us that this type of bond is not an afterthought. This kind of choice is among the highest forms of love, and of fatherhood and motherhood. How many children in the world are waiting for someone to take care of them! And how many married couples want to be fathers and mothers but are unable to do so for biological reasons; or, although they already have children, they want to share their family’s affection with those who do not have it. We should not be afraid to choose the path of adoption or foster care.
Meabhraíonn an Litir chuig na hEabhraigh dúinn, i bhfianaise eagla agus trialacha, is féidir linn "a shealbhú go tapa leis an dóchas atá romhainn. Seo ata againn mar chrann taca an anama, is é cinnte agus daingean " (Eabh. 6: 18-19). Guímid go líonfar gach máthair atá ag súil le cúram altrama nó uchtú le "síocháin Dé a sháraíonn gach tuiscint" (Fil. 4:7) mar a dhéanann sí rogha grámhar dá leanbh. Lig dúinn go léir cloí le crann taca an dóchais, a fuair muid "spiorad uchtála, trína caoinimid, 'Abba, Athair!'" (Rómh. 8:15).
