Pope Francis offers his take* on how home influences our faith [my commentary in brackets]:
“Faith opens a ‘window’ to the presence and working of the Spirit. It shows us that, like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures.
‘Whoever gives you a cup of water in my name will not go unrewarded,’ Jesus says (Mark 9:41).
“These little gestures are those we learn at home, in the family; they get lost amid all the other things we do, yet they do make each day different. They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers, by fathers and grandfathers, by children, by brothers and sisters. They are little signs of tenderness, affection, and compassion.
“Like the warm supper we look forward to at night [my mom‘s homecooking], the early meal awaiting someone who gets up early to go to work [my dad‘s coffee].
“Love is shown by little things, by attention to small daily signs that make us feel at home. Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches. They are the right place for faith to become life and life to grow in faith.”
*Pope Francis in the U.S.: Words of Mercy and Hope (2015), Daughters of St. Paul, pp. 22-23 ~ as said at the Closing Mass of the Eighth World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
^– I actually used this passage as my pre-brunch prayer of grace with my parents today! –^
Bearing in mind these homely gestures, let’s also consider our cultures and upbringings…
Have you ever wondered why your parents act the way they do then realize that you’re turning out more like them as you grow up?
Saints are special, and I like this analogy that Evie introduced to me:
They are our defense attorneys who advocate for us as we enter the stand at the gates of Heaven for GOD to judge our fate.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.”
Even as an adult, I still keep learning from my Dad, who always enlightens me everyday, through his example and his wisdom as a prayerfulsoon-to-befirst-time grandfather with whom I attended Church today. Cheers, Pops!
†Fathers† on either side of this †Sister! The one to my right was my student my very first semester!
The †Bishop† in this photo is the father of my student above and a ✌fellow✌ PhD candidate, and the †Father† in this photo is a ✌fellow✌ Pinoy!
Pinoys ‘R Us … The ✌fellow✌ Pinays are mother and daughter, and the daughter was a soloist in our Tosca performance plus is a recording Christian artist now!
When we or others who we know about are in need, we petition prayers for GOD to grant those requests. At our Advent Penance last week, I confessed to the priest about my admitted resentment toward my mother and my sorrow for feeling like I’m breaking the 4th Commandment. He advised me to accept our own and others’ weaknesses and appreciate that I still have my mother around. Therefore, I continue to give gratitude for my blessings and pray for ~ as well as help ~ those less fortunate, especially those who have experienced loss of loved ones, as well as remind myself that CHRIST JESUS had to bear His Cross and endure torture. We maintain our faith and ♥love♥ in Him to lead us along His righteous path toward Heaven.
In †GOD† we trust …
Here are the rest of our ACTs to practice everyday as we pray …
O Most Pure Lady of Guadalupe, obtain for me from your divine Son the forgiveness of my sins, blessings on my work, healing of my illnesses and needs, and everything that you believe is best for me and for my family. O Blessed Mother of †GOD†! Do not despise our supplications, but instead, free us from all danger. O Lady full of glory and of blessings, we ask all these things through †CHRIST JESUS† Our †LORD†. Amen.
Sources
Fr. Oscar J. Lukefahr, C. M. “From the Spiritual Director.” The Association of the Miraculous Medal, Vol. 47, No. 3: Fall Bulletin (2014).*
Jesus Our Life Activity Book, Faith and Life Series, 3rd ed. (Book 2). Chapter 9, Lesson 2, (p. 34)**; “Kinds of Prayer,” Chapter 15, Lesson 3 (p. 59)***. Ignatius Press, San Francisco. Catholics United for the Faith, Steubenville, Ohio. (2014).
Enjoy these photos taken on the Church tour during my business trip last week!
Thank GOD for another day.
That’s what my parents’ Church’s visiting priest asked us to pray as we greet each day.
Glory be…
That’s what this priest asked us to pray at the end of our day.
This past weekend, I attended the Most Holy Trinity Mass with my family, we celebrated:
* The Father
* The Son
* The Holy Spirit
Catholics believe in all three forms. Whether you believe in all three or at least one form of GOD, your life is fulfilled when you surround yourself with fellow believers.
The more, the merrier!
When we warmly welcome others into our Church, we bring ourselves closer to Heaven.
DON’T force our beliefs down people’s throats. Teach by example.
When I discussed GOD’s calling for me to open a Catholic school to another Ph.D. yesterday, that was one of his many pieces of advice.
Yesterday, I enjoyed wholesome meals and the pleasant company of wonderful friends who support His plan to establish a school. We also remember to turn to Him, to praise Him during our joys, and to seek guidance during our sorrows.
The LORD leads us to special someones along a path that He paves toward Heaven, so I’m grateful to GOD for showing His will and way today, everyday and always.
And I’m not just mentioning people, but ALL of the LORD’s creations as well…
Welcome/Mabuhay/¡Biénvenidos! I am a USAF brat who was born in Germany and grew up State-side while celebrating my Catholic and Filipino heritage. ☼Sunny☼ DISPOsition Elaine’s Eye Candy/DISPhotos ~ I love GOD & His creations, so I take photos @ any given opportunity. Elaine DISPOrts ~ I am passionate about sports, which is my research focus on my ... Continue reading →
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