Day 6- My Family

Reflection:
A blessed day to all the families joining us on the 6th day of the Novena to the Holy Family of
Nazareth!
Gary Chapman, an author, released a bestselling book entitled, 5 Love Languages. In it, he
introduced the concept of love languages suggesting people prefer to receive love in one of five
ways: first is words of affirmation which means complimenting words are most valued; second
is quality time which means spending undivided attention; third is receiving gifts which I think is
self-explanatory; third is acts of service which means helping that person in any act that can be
valuable; and the last one is the physical touch which means lending intimacy such as hugs and
kisses to another person.
When I was reflecting on the primary love language that we have in our family, I found it hard
to look for one.
We are not used to say affirmations to one another except when we needed too, not our daily
dose. We don’t have quality time for each other for we have different works and things to do.
We are also not used to give gifts except for some very important occasions only. Acts service,
we don’t want to burden each other that is why most of the time, we just keep our struggles in
ourselves. Physical touch, as I have told you, most of the time, we are not together.
Our family may not be a perfect model for any Love Language that Gary Chapman has.
However, this does not mean that we do not love each other. It is because we have another
language of love: that is prayer. Words of prayer for one another is the best affirmation. Having
a time to pray for one another is the best quality time that we can spend. Prayer is our best gift
we can give and receive for and from one another. Prayer for one another ease the burdens of
the other, the best act of service that we can do. And prayer touches us more than any physical
touch. For us, nothing proves that we love someone more than having them in our prayers.
Praying for each member of the family is our greatest expression of love for each other.
Just like Mary, Joseph and Jesus, our only love language is prayer.