ALL OF US ARE ORPHANS, SURPRISE? READ WHAT I MEAN

 Tuesday, September 27, 2022

ST VINCENT DE PAUL, P. (Memorial)


 *FOR THE SOMASCAN FATHERS* 


 *TODAY WE CELEBRATE MARY MOTHER OF ORPHANS.* 



Therefore, the readings and reflection will be based on the congregation's feast.


First Reading. Isaiah 66: 10-14

Psalm 146

Second Reading. 2Corinthians 1: 3-7

Gospel. John 19: 25-27


TOPIC FOR REFLECTION


 *WE ALL ARE ORPHANS* 


Do you know that virtually all of us are orphans in one way or another?

Are you surprised?

Don't worry, just continue reading, and then you will understand better.


In a generic sense, An orphan is a person who has lost either father, mother, or both.

However, there are four types of orphans 


TYPES OF ORPHANS.


1. BIOLOGICAL ORPHAN


According to UNICEF, this biological orphan is into three categories.

***Paternal orphan... A person whose father is dead

***Maternal orphan... A person whose mother is dead

The above two are regarded as Single Orphan.

***Double orphan... The loss of both parents.


2. SOCIOLOGICAL ORPHANS


This is the deprivation of basic amenities such as food, shelter, education, etc.

Any nation that is undergoing great tumult, chaos, anarchy, etc., is known as social orphan citizens.


3. EMOTIONAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL ORPHANS


Some children's parents are alive but never enjoy their parent's affectionate care, love, and peace. These cause wounds in the hearts of these children, and they result in emotional trauma.

Similarly, character assassination can make one emotionally orphan.

In any environment that does not promote peace and love, but chaos, then those in that environment can be termed, emotional orphans. 


4. SPIRITUAL ORPHANS


This simply means the absence of God in one's life. The idea of romancing, celebrating, promoting, eating, and dining with sin can make one become a spiritual orphan child.


PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ORPHANS


**Deprivation of love, care, affection, etc

**Anxiety

**Anger

**Sadness

**The feeling of withdrawal from groups

**The feeling of being unwanted. etc


It is on this note that Jesus promised never to leave us, orphans. Cf. John 14:18

More this reason, Jesus inspired our Father founder in 1511 to found a group called Servants of the Poor which later became Somascan Fathers, that cares for orphan children.

In today's Gospel, John 19: 27. Jesus on the cross looked at His Mother at the foot of the cross and handed her (Mary) to John, and John to her.

Similarly, St. Jerome handed over the whole orphan children into the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.


SOME BIBLICAL REFERENCES ABOUT THE ORPHANS.


1. John 1: 27. God accepted the religion of caring for orphans.

2. Job. 29:12. God rescues the poor and orphans

3. Ex. 22: 22. Do not take advantage of the orphans

4. Psalm 10:18. God defends the orphans

5. Psalm. 68: 5. God is a father to the fatherless, defender of the widow, and I add mine; Mary is the mother to the motherless.


FINALLY


--To become a biological orphan, it is by nature

--To become a spiritual orphan, it is by the individual

However, do not make others become socially, psychologically, and emotionally orphans. If you do, remember that what goes around comes around, those whom you made orphans today may return tomorrow to make you an embodiment of an orphanage. 😆 😆 😆


So, we pray to Mary mother of the orphans to constantly pray for us. 


 *Peace ✌️ be with you* 


 *Rev. Fr. Segun Oladeji, CRS.* 


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