Full Communion - Family Reflection Video

Yesterday, Father Fred, Father Pinto, Father Boby, and I had a day of recollection. We went to an exotic place called East Freetown, Massachusetts. Actually, it’s not a resort community but a parish named St. John Neumann. It is also the location of a former Catholic summer camp that I attended as a child.

It’s a beautiful location on a lake surrounded by tall oak trees. As we began our day, I shared that the first time I was at this location, I was nine years old — just twenty years ago! In reality, it was in 1974 when President Nixon resigned!

I thought about the passage of time and how our understanding of God and His guidance in our lives grows when we make the time to pray and reflect on what is going on both inside of our mind and heart and, also around us, especially in our families.

At times, we need a change of scenery and routine. We need time to disconnect from our phones and the constant temptation to text, email, and surf the net.

Part of what we discussed was Pope Benedict XVI’s letter to priests about priests’ three munera, or duties: to teach, sanctify, and lead all those entrusted to us. The reality is that each priest relies on the grace of God to do each one of those tasks, and he cannot do it properly without being in full communion with God.

St. Irenaeus

St. Irenaeus is a role model for all Christians. He taught the authentic teachings of Jesus and helped clarify errors or misunderstandings of his time. He did so in a way that brought about peace, which is the Greek meaning of the word Irenaeus.

Each of us, in our own way, is called to be like St. Irenaeus. If we want what is best for our family members and ourselves to live fruitful lives, we need to know the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church found in the Catechism and other Church documents.

Witnesses and Teachers

Every mother and father are entrusted with teaching the faith to their children. This includes enrolling them in religious education, helping them in their studies, and fully participating in the sacramental life of the Church. It includes teaching them how to pray, beginning with making the sign of the Cross, and I would recommend the Rosary.

The challenge is for all of us to do what St. Irenaeus reminded his flock — not only to know the truth of the Gospel message, but also to attend to the purity of our souls and bodies. We are all more effective witnesses and teachers to Jesus’ Gospel when we both know and live it. Your children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews can see authentic and joyful Christian living when we have that full communion with God without fear of hypocrisy or lack of commitment.

The world has changed a lot since the second century of St. Irenaeus and 1974, but some things remain the same: our human nature, the truth of the Gospel message, and the call of God to live good and holy lives, and when we fall short, to be healed and forgiven in the Sacrament of Confession.

May we take the time with our family this summer to look at our lives, the ways that Jesus is calling us to grow in holiness, and how we can help each other along the way, including bearing good fruit and finding peace in our homes.

• Today’s Readings

• Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

• To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am Eastern, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)