Meera in Pakistan looks to the future with hope and love
“And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.”
Joseph is already willing to do good, as he sees it, in this situation. He will take action quietly and discreetly. But once he has heard what the angel says to him in a dream, his heart is opened wide with love, and he is ready to welcome Mary into his home.
Joseph is both just and open-hearted. He will welcome the baby who is to be born, and name him Jesus.
At the Harvest Family Fast Day in 2023, we heard the story of Meera and her husband who had lost their home and livelihoods in the floods in Pakistan that year. Now, the family is living in their own home, rather than in a camp alongside a road.
Meera reflects on how important the assistance she received was for her at the time, especially as she was pregnant in such adverse conditions. Meera’s daughter Marwi (name changed) is now two years old and healthy; thankfully she is doing well.
Meera still doesn’t have an easy life, as her husband is a mason and has to travel a lot for work. But as she says, “Hope, to me, is the belief that circumstances will improve, leading to a better life.” She dreams of the day when her children can receive a proper education, and the family no longer has to live with such uncertainty. She looks to the future with hope and love.
Prayer
Lord, grant us the grace to open our hearts to others, and to act with love towards our family, friends and neighbours, wherever they may be. Amen.
Act
Watch our video of hope for the Jubilee Year.