Recently, after a Sunday Mass that I had preached about the importance of going to Mass as a family, I spoke to a young father. He told me that he agreed with me but that sometimes, life seems to get in the way of families going to Mass. On the one hand, there was a bridal shower that some of his family got the wrong day and so didn’t make it to the morning Mass, and then there was his daughter who said that going to Mass on Monday at her Catholic school should count instead of Sunday.
We all know that life is continually changing, especially within the family. There are more challenges in our society’s weekend scheduling and our kid's perspective on whether being told it’s their obligation to go to Mass is a help or a hindrance. In my childhood and high school years, going to Sunday Mass was as natural as going out to breakfast after Mass. You’d see your neighbors at Mass and also at the diner afterward. Wanting to see your family grow in faith now comes with more and more obstacles; however, God never asks for the impossible.
Today’s first reading is unique in that it is God’s Word that addresses children, young men, and fathers. It is timely for us during the Season of Christmas and for society as a whole. Children, young men, and fathers need special attention. On average, I think young women and older women are more disposed to the spiritual and parish life; at least for now — we can make progress!
In this letter from St. John, we find both encouragement and instruction. The first encouragement is that our sins have been forgiven for Jesus’ sake. The second is that we know Jesus; He is not some anonymous or mysterious entity but the Son of God, born to Mary, and who died and rose from the dead for us. John also tells the children that they know God the Father and that the young men have conquered Evil through faith in God. Every word of encouragement also applies to each one of us and our family members who have been baptized and instructed in our faith.
John then goes into his instruction with one more encouragement where he says, “I write to you young men because your are strong…” Why, because “…the Word of God remains in you and you have conquered the Evil One.”
That phrase, that explanation that “the Word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the Evil One,” made me wonder: “Do we appreciate the power of the Word of God that we hear at each Mass and read in the Bible…and do we go back to it for strength?” John connects the Word of God remaining in us…not lost minutes after we have heard it but taking root in our minds and hearts as the source of strength. That is a powerful reminder for anyone, no matter whether children, young men or women, or older.
Lastly, as I finished my conversation with the young father after Mass, he said, "You know, Father, I’m not perfect in trying to get my family to live according to our faith, but I am trying, and I know I am doing my job if my children and my family know and love Jesus."
God bless that husband and father, his family, and all families who have been blessed by the Lord with the gift of faith and family combined.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
