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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
There are only three verses in the reading from Luke’s Gospel, and they describe rumors or gossip about Jesus that made King Herod curious. I think the last sentence has an important message: “And he (Herod) kept trying to see Him (Jesus).”
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The Gospel of Luke calls us to simplify our lives and embrace the mission of serving others. Jesus sent out the twelve Apostles, with nothing but the power of God, urging them to travel light and focus on spreading the Good News.
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Luke's Gospel reminded me of an expression from my childhood: “You’re brothers! Act like it!” My brother Pat and I heard that more than a few times from our Mom when we’d be in a battle of words or fists…and it always did the trick. Growing up in Quincy, your family was a big part of your identity and a source of strength. Many conversations began with, “My Mom or Dad were just telling me… or My brother Pat’s coming with us too.” There was a definite understanding of who was part of our immediate…and extended family. At Mass each Sunday, I don’t remember the priest using the phrase “My brothers and sisters (in Christ)” in his homily very often.
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Certain scientific experiments are both simple and fascinating. One such experiment, which many of us have seen or tried, involves creating fire using a magnifying glass. In this experiment, the magnifying glass is placed in front of a piece of paper or cotton, allowing sunlight to pass through and forming a small bright dot. After some time, if the sunlight is strong enough, the paper will catch fire. The magnifying glass serves as a medium, focusing the sun's heat onto the paper to generate fire.
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Catholic Faith | Grandpa's Garden | catholic family life
Our oldest child just celebrated a birthday. The day she was born, we drove country roads in the predawn darkness to the community hospital. It was the first day of school in the town, and as it happened, the weather was beautiful. When we arrived, the staff whisked away the expectant mom. I donned delivery room attire and waited. I learned that “labor” is appropriately named. Eventually, I joined my wife and listened, encouraged, and supported the best I could, realizing I was somewhat helpless. My role was to be there with her.
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catholic family life | children at Mass | family prayer
I know that going to church on Sunday is not always easy. Getting the kids dressed and out the door on time on Sunday morning has its challenges. I would be lying if I said there were not some Sundays I wished I could just sleep in. Stay in bed for another hour. But every week, all five of us are at Mass. I often hear parents say that it is just “too hard” at this stage, and they will start going again when their kids are older. Those easier days turn into becoming complacent about not attending mass. Frankly, kids learn about how to behave and worship by being in Mass. There is not a magic age where everything just “clicks.”
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