Unless Catholics really understand this, they will not be able to withstand what is coming fast upon us all.
Christ explained that true brotherhood and sisterhood rests among those who share the love of Christ and do the will of the Father.
Idolatry of the family is keeping some people back from building the type of community God desires for those who are the remnant at this time.
Community building takes time and takes energy. But, the early Church understood that importance of loving each other.
This call to love does not mean that we ignore our families, but we must see them in the light of Christ. The Holy Spirit within us is stronger than blood ties.
Many Catholics remain weak because they try to appease their family members, even parents, who are not living the true Catholic life. To honor one's parents is a commandment, but to put family before the Catholic community is missing the call of God to evangelize.
Why? "See how they love one another..." the ancient affirmation of community life...shows us that strength is in the community of love, not in individual efforts.
Ask yourselves as Catholics whether you have fallen into idolizing your family instead of working for true community.
Mk 3:31-35
His mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him.
32A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers* [and your sisters] are outside asking for you.”33But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and [my] brothers?”34And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.35[For] whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”