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?
Today is my beautiful mom’s birthday, so this is a tribute to her.
Birthday Gift to NANAY: Rose Crucifix for LOLA ROSA from my friend EVIE‘s store, Lovely Gift
You know that saying, If you want to know what a girl will look like when she’s twice her age, look at her mother (or something to that effect)? Well, my mother still looks radiant to this very day, and she’s exactly twice my age, so I’d like to think that when I reach her age, I’ll also look and feel as gorgeous as she does. She is healthy and active, vibrant and enjoying life…
Here are the lessons that my Nanay/Mommy Aya has taught me that I take at face value:
Eat breakfast everyday for energy
Wear makeup to look presentable
Always smile 🙂
Don’t cry for any guy because no man is worth your tears
Be brave
I admit that I haven’t always followed my mother’s advice, but as her mom, my maternal grandmother, Lola Rosing, told me:
Mothers know best.
And so far, they’ve always been right, even when I didn’t agree. Let’s love our mothers because they gave birth to us and guided us as we grew, and if they’re still around after we’re grown, they don’t stop… Because a mother’s job is never done.
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 →