Parenting – Page 2 – Joy of the Family

Teach Your Children Well

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

Do you want your children to have a good life? Do you want your kids to be successful and flourish in the world? Not many parents would answer “no” to those questions. There are also not many parents who wake up in the morning and say, “I would like to be a lousy parent today.” Most parents want the best for their children, and many work tirelessly to create a life that is better than the life they had growing up. Or maybe they try to repaint the fairytale life that they knew. What a joy and honor it is to raise children. Of course, it comes with great sacrifice and constant care, but raising children is truly a gift!

The most important question we should be asking is, “How can I help my child live a holy life and get to heaven?” We are called to baptize our children as part of our Catholic faith. During a baptism, when the priest or deacon is about to pour the water, parents, Godparents, and all present are reminded, “Make it your constant care to bring your child up in the practice of the faith.” This responsibility comes from the understanding of who is the “ultimate owner of the child.” Psalm 139:13 says, “You formed my inmost being; You knit me in my mother’s womb.” God is the original parent and “owner” of our children, while mothers and fathers are the biological “foster parents” who have received the child on loan from God. One of the parents’ most important duties is to teach their children about the genuine love of God. Much of this is taught by loving encounters and experiences within the family. Parents also must teach their children to pray. Prayer must begin at birth and continue throughout life. Faith needs to be a constant for the baptized, and prayer sustains faith.

How do we teach our children well? How can we do a better job of bringing them up in the faith? One way is to live the Liturgical Calendar. Teach your children about Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, but go even deeper and look at each day as a journey in faith. Who is the Saint of the Day? Find a way to celebrate at least one Saint each month (three or four would be better). It’s not that difficult, in February there is already a day for St. Valentine, and in March, St. Patrick. You could learn about the Patron Saint of your Parish and celebrate by making a recipe from the country they are from. Choose a patron saint for your family and celebrate along with the patron saint of each child. Do you celebrate the anniversary of their baptism? Why not, it is when they became Children of God. When you start teaching your child colors look at what color vestments the priest is wearing at Mass. He will wear green in Ordinary Time, what are the other colors he wears? (HINT: purple, white, red)

Our faith is best taught through lived experience. Another way to teach the faith and about the life of Jesus is to pray the Rosary as a family. October is the month of Our Lady of the Rosary, how many ways could you count the 10 Hail Mary’s in a decade of the Rosary? You could count on beads, stickers, jellybeans, pompoms, cupcakes, and the list goes on.

As we each try to live the Liturgical Calendar, look for groups that meet to pray and play. Catholic Tots, Religious Education activities, and Catholic Scouting groups like American Heritage Girls, Little Flowers, Blue Knights, and Trail Life are great groups. Connect with other families to share ideas and build community. Like-minded people will help you grow your faith and teach your children well.

Here’s what the scriptures have to say:

Proverbs 22:6 – Train a [child] in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not swerve from it.

Deuteronomy 6: 5-9 – You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.

Psalm 139:13-14 – You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!

John 3:5 – Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.

Building Peace

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

There are several times during the Holy Mass when Christ offers us His peace. At the beginning, right after the Sign of the Cross, the priest has the option to say: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” and we respond, “And with your Spirit.” After the ‘Our Father’, again the celebrant responds with a message of ‘peace’ when he says, “Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, in your mercy, free us from sin and save us from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” The most obvious exchange is when we offer each other a Sign of Peace. The words from the priest celebrant again stress the importance of peace. Here he shares the words of Jesus when he says, “Peace, I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will.” After this, we are invited to share a gesture of peace. This gesture is the same peace we just received from Jesus!

Like each part of the Holy Mass, the Sign of Peace has biblical roots. In Matthew 5:23-24 we are reminded, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother and then come and offer your gift.” Offering peace is not just a state of mind, it is an action. Like forgiveness, peace begins with a person. If we are to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, and if we desire to share in His holiness, we must have the courage to clean up the mistakes and misunderstandings we have created in our lives. In the letter to the Hebrews, we are cautioned to persevere and not be weak. Chapter 12:10-12 is a great reminder, that if we want to be holy, if we desire true peace, we must be disciplined. “They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but He does so for our benefit, in order that we may share His holiness. At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.” We all desire the peaceful fruit of holiness, we all desire peace.

There are many ways to achieve peace. Life is filled with balancing, juggling, and avoiding. We try to balance holiness and the world. We juggle planning as we look forward, learning from our past, while we live in the present moment. We continuously try to avoid those things that rob us of our peace. To live in the present moment means we will have to stop rushing around, we need to find time to rest and reset. To live a life of holiness means we need to first, trust in God’s Mercy, then, learn to forgive one another, and most importantly forgive ourselves. Finally, to achieve peace, you must be an active participant. In our families we must share our thoughts and feelings, we must forgive one another, we must be patient with one another, and we must find mutual respect. In the hectic noisiness of each day, we need to find our Sabbath moments. We won’t be able to receive the graces of God’s peace if our lives are too busy. We need to find moments to be thankful and offer a prayer. Jesus wants to help us build peace -in our hearts – in our relationships – and in our families!

In preparation for Christmas, remember what we prepare for – the coming of the Prince of Peace! In Philippians 4:4-7 we are instructed, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Luke 2:13-14 –And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Hebrews 12:10-12 – They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share this holiness. At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. So, strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.

Hebrews 12: 14-15 – Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble

Proverbs 12:20 – Deceit is in the hands of those who plot evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.

Matthew 5:23-24 – If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come to offer your gift.

Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

The Table

*By Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach*

Tables have been significant throughout history. While it is an inanimate object, think of all the things that happen at a table – Meals, deals, games, crafting! The table can be a place for prayer, writing, creating, examination, surgery, cooking, decision-making, puzzling, reading, and the list continues. A table can serve to bring people together as a place for reconciliation. It has great power and potential. A table is a place where things happen!

Did you know that the word “table” is found over 136 times in the Bible? Do you know the meaning of the Table? It is a symbol of a variety of things, such as hospitality, fellowship, and abundance. In the Bible, it is where Jesus and his disciples ate the Last Supper. It is also significant in the Bible because it is where we learn God’s plan for salvation. In the Book of Exodus, there is a description of how to make a table or an altar. The Israelites were commanded to set this table for their God every day. (see Exodus 25:23-30) They did this to show reverence and honor Him.

This same table was also a place where they would gather to share their blessings, as we do today. There is even a behavior code for the table, some of us are seated and some of us serve. As a disciple, Luke describes the servant in Luke 22: 25-30, “He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; but among you, it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is as the servant? For who is greater: the one seated at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” In the Bible, there are several places where you must be worthy to sit at the table. Who sits at the head of the table? Usually, it is the head of the household. Who sits at the right hand of this head of the table? This is a place of great honor!

Often many of us are very busy and don’t take the time to sit at the table much less set the table. We are too busy to sit across from another person to listen, talk, make plans, and be hospitable. We may have forgotten that eating at the table with your family is a way to bond and bring things to light. As we prepare to enter the Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas season, take time to set the table!

Reflect on and talk about all the delightful things that take place at that table. Make your table a place where all are welcome, where blessings overflow. Talk, pray, and seek forgiveness from your family at the table. There are even more blessings that await you at the Table of God. All are welcome at His Table, take your seat and go to Mass together. If you haven’t been in a while, rest assured, you are invited and you are most welcome.

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Psalm 23:5 – You set a table before me as my enemy’s watch.

Matthew 9:10 – While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

Daniel Chapter 1 – The Food Test!

Exodus 25:23-30 – You shall also make a table of acacia wood, two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. Plate it with pure gold and make a molding of gold around it. Surround it with a frame, a handbreadth high, with a molding of gold around the frame. You shall also make four rings of gold for it and fasten them at the four corners, one at each leg, on two holders for the poles to carry the table. These poles for carrying the table you shall make of acacia wood and plate with gold. Of pure gold, you shall make its pitchers and bowls for pouring libations. On the table, you shall always keep showbread set before me.

Here are a few prayers for you to share at your table:

The Hand That Made the Hands
For the hands that tilled,
for the hands that harvested,
for the hands that processed,
for the hands that transported,
for the hands that stocked,
for the hands that sold,
for the hands that bought,
for the hands that prepared,
for the hands that will hold,
for the hand that made the hands,
our hearts are forever grateful.
Amen.
(Ewan Aitken, printed in Blessed be our Table, Wild Goose 2003)

Litany of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea.
We thank you, Lord.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ.
We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes, and families, and our friends.
We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve.
We thank you, Lord.

For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play.
We thank you, Lord.

For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity.
We thank you, Lord.

For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice.
We thank you, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places.
We thank you, Lord.

Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord; To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the
Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

(Book of Common Prayer)

Honor

By Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

Who is Mary? Why do we honor her? How can we imitate her to become better disciples of Jesus? What are her messages? How can Mary bring us deeper in our faith, and closer to Jesus?

So many questions surrounding the Blessed Virgin Mary! As we often do, we complicate what is quite simple. In answer to the question “Who is Mary?”: She is a girl from Nazareth; she is the daughter of Anna and Joachim; she is the cousin of Elizabeth; she is the bride of Joseph; she is ALSO, the mother of Jesus, the newborn babe; she is a guest and caring friend at the wedding feast in Cana; she is the woman at the foot of the Cross; she is a disciple in the upper room at Pentecost.

Mary’s identity is God-given, special and unique to her.

What does it mean to honor Mary? Our Judeo-Christian faith instructs us, actually commands us, to honor our mother and father. Just as we are called to honor our earthly parents, Mary is our heavenly Mother. The Canticle of Mary, that is Mary’s Song, is found in the Gospel of Luke 1:46-55. Mary responds to Elizabeth by saying, “All Generations will call me blessed.” How very true is this proclamation! Do we believe the scriptures that tell us Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit, conceived and gave birth to the Christ Child? By honoring the Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Lord, we honor God himself. We ask her for her help and her prayers. The CCC (971) says: “The Church rightly honors the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of – ‘Mother of God,’ to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs…This very special devotion differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the Incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration.”

How can we imitate Mary and be a better disciple of Jesus? Imitate her virtue. While this takes a lifetime of formation in faith, there are 10 principal virtues listed in a small but powerful book by St. Louis de Monfort, called True Devotion to Mary. Entry #104 of this book, lists the Principal Virtues of Mary: “Her ten principal virtues are: deep humility, lively faith, blind obedience, unceasing prayer, constant self-denial, surpassing purity, ardent love, heroic patience, angelic kindness, and heavenly wisdom.” God chose Mary just as He chooses each of us for a high calling. If we want to be obedient to God’s plan for our life, we need to imitate Mary with a commitment and willingness to sacrifice out of love and devotion to our Savior.

What are Our Lady’s messages? From as early as A.D. 40, Mary has appeared to give messages of hope and love. Her messages are always meant to draw us closer to her Divine Son, Jesus, to give us inspiration, and to remind us of the virtues. Each time she brings a special but similar message emphasizing the importance of prayer. At Fatima she asked that we pray for the conversion of Russia; to pray the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world; to pray to Her Immaculate Heart, and she asked us not to lie, envy, or speak badly of others.

How can Mary bring us deeper in our faith, and closer to Jesus? At Cana, Mary’s message is “Do whatever he tells you.” When you pray, listen; when you read Scripture, listen; when you gaze on the beauty of God’s creation, listen; Listen for ways God is calling you closer; Listen for ways you can “be Jesus” to others; Listen to hear God’s plan for you.

Mary is called the first disciple. She followed Jesus throughout His life, she was at the foot of the cross when Jesus died, she celebrated His resurrection and was with the disciples at Pentecost. If we desire to be like Mary, willing to accept God’s plan no matter the cost, we can and should rejoice in the plan that God has for us…

Who are YOU? What is YOUR “song”? What is God calling YOU to say “yes” to?

YOUR identity is God-given, special, and unique to YOU. Give God YOUR Fiat!

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Luke 1:46-55 – My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

John 2:1-12– On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples ere also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So, they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So, they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when the people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him. After this, he and his mother, brothers, and his disciples, went down to Capernaum and stayed there only a few days.

Luke 2:22-32 – When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

You’re Not Alone

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

Each day you hear in the news and on social media that anxiety and fear are affecting more and more people in their day-to-day lives. Many are struggling with phobias, and anxieties that they didn’t have before. Psalm 23 is one of many reminders in Holy Scripture that we are never alone. Verse one says: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23 continues to give us hope…we are not alone. It is worth posting the entire Psalm here…

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.  He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

The Bible is God’s love letter to us. The Good Shepherd is constantly reminding and encouraging us.

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in what the world is telling you and it’s even easier to forget your common sense. When you develop the bad habit of focusing on the electronics in your life, it’s easy to feel alone and abandoned. Social Media and the news want you to think there is no hope. The world tempts us with empty promises and lies. Perhaps it’s time to create some distance from what the world is saying and practice focusing on what God is saying. Focus on your relationship with God, your relationship with yourself and your relationships with other people.

Be kind to yourself, when you feel alone, take a walk outside, look at the nature around you; focus on the goodness of God’s Creation. Hopefully, as the weather begins to cool you can take an early morning or early evening walk and breathe in fresh air. As you walk, make a connection with the awe and wonder of the gifts God has given each of us. As you walk or even as you sit, rekindle your relationship with God. You are not alone! Learn something about the creation around you.

It’s amazing how much money we spend on things, try spending money on experiences, like a class learning how to do something you’ve always wanted to try or learning about something you’ve always wanted to know. Feeling lonely? Try to boost your prayer time and rethink how you spend your spare time. Carve out some time without any electronics, no video games, no social media, no Netflix, or TV, and take off your watch if it connects you to all these things.

Do more things with people! Engage in a small group, a book club, a bible study, sports, a club…find ways to be around others. Avoid the self-check- out and say “hi” to the person scanning your purchase or if it can’t be avoided, say “hello” to the person at the self-check-out next to you. While you are being kind to yourself, focus on the present moment, no need to worry about the past or the future, focus on right now. When you have a conversation with someone, focus on what they are saying, look at their eyes when they speak. If you feel alone, stressed, or anxious, remember God is with you. He doesn’t change, He is always present, He doesn’t lie, you can trust Him. James 1:17 says “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

Still feeling anxious and afraid? Try shifting your focus to others, how can you help someone else? Is there a small act of kindness that you could do for someone else today? Helping others is a way to feel connected and less alone. Try thinking about what you can give rather than what you can get. Pray for others and pay attention to the things that matter. Pay attention to the things that make you feel like you belong, things that make you feel connected.

It is easy to get caught up in the world. Create goals for yourself. Who is the person you would like to become? Keep track of your vision and pray that the Lord will keep you on the right path. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.” You are never alone; God is with you!

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you.

Joshua 1:9 – I command you: be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.

Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.

James 1:17 – Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

What’s Your Disposition?

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

Before you ask what is your disposition, you might have to first ask yourself, what is disposition? It’s a noun, that is, a person, place, or thing. This noun, however, you cannot hold in your hand. It is a part of you; it is your usual mood or temperament. Disposition could also be defined as a tendency. Are you a person who is joyful or do you tend to be gloomy? Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore? Is your “cup half full” or does your cup tend to be “half empty”? Does your disposition lean toward being a person who is receptive and open to what others have to say or do you tend to be close minded? Jesus tells many parables that teach us about disposition. In the Gospel of Matthew, we hear of Jesus talking to the crowds that gather. Just as any great teacher does, Jesus uses more than one explanation to convey His message about the Kingdom of God. Each parable uses a different image to explain His message. In the parable of the Sower, the seeds fall on different types of soil. They fall on the path, on rocky ground, into thorns, or on fertile soil. Jesus explains that the Seeds are the Word of God. The different types of soil reflect the dispositions of our hearts. It’s only in the fertile soil that the Word of God can truly grow, take root, and bear fruit. (Matthew 13:1-15)

How can we change and prepare our hearts to receive the Word of God? What should be our disposition when we pray; when we read, listen to, or hear God’s Sacred Word? Jesus tells us to be open and receptive – “Harden NOT your hearts” (Hebrews 4:8). Let your heart be fertile and take time to cultivate your soul to be open to His Words, His Love, and His plan for you. Just like most of us, soil does not have the disposition to provide the seed with what it needs to survive AND thrive. That’s why a farmer prepares his field to receive the seed; tilling it, watering it, adding nutrients, giving the soil what it needs to produce an abundant harvest.

Look to Mary as an example of how to improve your disposition, she is the best example of one who is open and receptive to the Lord. She is totally attuned to God. Her Immaculate Heart is not hindered by sin or the world. Our Lady appeared to St. Brigid and told her, “The rose gives a fragrant odor; it is beautiful to the sight, and tender to the touch, and yet it grows among thorns, inimical (hostile) to the beauty and tenderness. So may also those who are mild, patient, beautiful in virtue, be put to the test among adversaries. And as the thorn, on the other hand, guards, so do wicked surroundings protect the just against sin, by demonstrating to them the destructiveness of sin.” Mary is designated as the Mystical Rose because her beauty leads us to God, and her fragrance attracts our souls to Christ.

Prepare the soil of your heart. Don’t let the world distract you, instead, allow adversity to inspire you to remain open. The first and easiest step might be to find your Bible and take it off the shelf, join a small group, read the Sunday readings the week before each Sunday Mass, and try to set aside time each day to prepare the soil of your heart.

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Matthew 13:1-14 – On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A Sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” The disciples approached him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given, and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because ‘they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.’

Hebrews 3:13 – Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today,” so that none of you may grow hardened by the deceit of sin. We have become partners of Christ if only we hold the beginning of the reality firm until the beginning of the reality firm until the end, for it is said: “Oh, that today you would hear his voice: ‘Harden not your hearts as at the rebellion.’”

2 Timothy 3:14-16 – But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

A Vacation from God?

_{Author: Catherine Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation, and Youth Ministry}

As summer vacation stretches out before us, beckoning us to locales far and near, we relish the promise of relaxation and release from the demands of our everyday lives, even temporarily. However, while some ‘demands’, like school or work, can be placed on hold for a time, others do not diminish or release their hold on us. Some of those demands are ontological (fundamental), they are part of our nature, who we are, our relationships with others. Can a mother or a father ever stop being a mother or father? Can a daughter or a son truly erase that relationship? What about a priest who, through ordination, has become a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek? (Psalms 110:4) We can take a vacation. We can stop doing, but we cannot stop being.

When we are baptized, we become adopted children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit, forever changed by the sacramental graces. Even if we turn our back on our baptismal promises, we cannot erase the nature of our relationship with God. But we can affect the impact or fruit of these graces in our lives depending on if and how we respond to the gift.

Just what is the nature of this gift, how far-reaching is it? From the very beginning, we understand that our life, our very being, is a gift from God, and it is only through God that we continue to exist. The Creation account from Genesis 2:7 tells us: “then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” In a reflection on this truth, the psalmist praises God: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14) St. Paul the Apostle attributes our continued existence to God as he evangelizes in Athens: “Yet he [God] is actually not far from each one of us, for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’…” (Acts 17:27b-28a) Paul returns to this theme in many of his letters to the church communities he establishes on his various journeys to share the Gospel. Indeed, God both gives us and continues to hold us in existence.

We have so much to thank God for. Scripture tells us that everything we have comes from God. “Do not be deceived…. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:16-17). Every good gift comes from God.

So, why would we even consider taking a vacation from God? If God holds us in existence, how can we expect to survive, let alone flourish, without him? What if he took a vacation from us? If every good gift is from him, even our vacation is a gift from him. Why would we exclude him? The only right response is gratitude, not neglect.

Let us resolve to observe the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy, and invite God to accompany us on vacation, so we can show him our gratitude for every good gift. And where can we find him, body, blood, soul, and divinity? At Mass, in the Eucharist, in every Catholic Church in every corner of the world. As Catholics, we keep the Sabbath holy by attending Mass where participation in the Eucharist is an act of thanksgiving for all that God has done for us. Finding a local Mass is simple; check this link: MassTimes – Find Catholic worship times for Mass, Confession, Adoration and Holy Days

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Acts 17:27b-28 – Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

1 Corinthians 8:6 – …yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and from whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

Colossians 1:17 – And he [Christ] is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Deuteronomy 5:12 – Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you.

In the Name of the Father

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

When we make the Sign of the Cross, we pray, “In the name of the Father”, so we begin this prayer with the Father. God, our Father! He is the beginning, our beginning, He is our Creator. God the Father is our true source of strength, and God is Love. He hears our prayers and knows our joys and our sorrows. There is nothing that can compare to God’s great love! Most important, there is nothing that can separate us from God’s great love – nothing.

When we pray the prayer that Jesus taught us, again we begin with “Our Father who art in heaven. We give him the praise that is due when we pray, “Hallowed be thy name”. He should be our most important relationship, and we revere Him with the utmost love and loyalty.

So, how do we learn about God’s great love? How do we know the love of the Father? How do we appreciate the gift of our life, given by God the Father? One, very important way that we first come to know the love of our heavenly Father….is through our earthly father. The gift of fatherhood is such a special role and so often overlooked. Our Heavenly Father loves us, so too our earthly dads love us giving us a glimpse of the Father’s great love for us! Earthly dads can be our biological dads or sometimes we have “father-figures” who are our spiritual dads. These great men have a special role to play in their children’s lives. Our earthly fathers are called to sacrifice for us, to teach us, and to bear witness to the faith. They point us to our heavenly Father. If our families could be seen as a team, dads would be the most beloved coach of our family team.

The role of fatherhood is daunting and is filled with many joys, sacrifices, and trials. We know our earthly father can only give us a glimpse of God. Our dads are human, and they need a Savior, just like us. Often our earthly dads need to learn how to love rightly. They may not understand how to love as the Father has loved us.

Pray for fathers! Pray that they find healing from any brokenness. Pray that they can inspire their children; pray that they can forgive like God the Father; pray that they can be supportive and understanding. Pray for fathers to always be concerned for others, especially the members of their family so they can be a witness of the strength and love of God, our heavenly Father. Pray for fathers that they can love their heavenly Father, their wives and in turn their children with Christ-like love. Take the time to say, “thank you and I love you”. Thank them for their sacrifices, for teaching us, and for giving us a glimpse of God the Father’s love.

Here’s what the scriptures have to say:

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

1 John 4:8-10 – Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.

Deuteronomy 4:29 – Yet there too you shall seek the Lord, your God; and you shall indeed find him when you search after him with your whole heart and your whole soul. In your distress, when all these things shall have come upon you, you shall finally return to the Lord, your God and heed his voice. Since the Lord, your God is a merciful God, he will not abandon and destroy you, nor forget the covenant which under oath he made with your fathers.

John 13:34-35 – I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.

What Were You Thinking…

*Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach*

A wise priest recently spoke about parenting in his homily. He said, “When your kids do something wrong rather than asking them, ‘What were you thinking?’…ask them, ‘What did you expect would happen?’”. It is a great question that can help all of us learn from our mistakes. This question causes us to intentionally think about our actions, something we could all benefit from! This question makes a case for being intentional and thinking before we act. Perhaps we would make fewer poor choices if we paused to think about the outcome of our actions more often and before we acted. It is important to consider that the outcome of our actions most often affects someone else’s life. Think about selfish actions like gossip, being judgmental, even speeding; on the positive side, think about giving a gift, saying something kind, offering help, or stopping when the light turns yellow. Each of these actions affects another person. Perhaps we should think of others more than we think of ourselves! Being more intentional in our actions, making ourselves a gift to others, thinking before we act and speak. All these things seem simple enough!

How can we be more intentional? At the beginning of the day, wake up thinking of the actions that will glorify God. We can offer our day to the Lord by saying, “This day is Yours, God – I give it to you!” We can think of ways to sacrifice for others, instead of ways to personally gain. We can ask ourselves, “What do I expect will happen?”

At the end of the day, we can do an examination of conscience. We can take time to think about the things that happened during the day; Ask ourselves if we thought before we acted; Ask ourselves how we impacted the life of another; ask ourselves if things turned out the way we expected…would God be glorified by our actions?

“What did we expect would happen?”, makes a great question for an examination of conscience before the Sacrament of Reconciliation. What did we think would happen if we were lazy and didn’t go to mass? What did we expect to happen when we judged someone by how they looked, or what they did? What did we expect to happen when we gossiped? What did we expect would happen when we ignored someone or cast them aside because we were too busy? What did we expect to happen when _______? Fill in the blanks.

Here’s what the scriptures have to say:

Ephesians 5:15-17 – Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

John 15:13 – No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Hebrews 10:24-25 – We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Philippians 3:13-14 – Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:32 – And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.

Squirrel!

The Collect for mass a few days ago said, “Show gracious favor, O Lord, we pray, to the works of penance we have begun, that we may have the strength to accomplish with sincerity the bodily observances we undertake.” We are in the first week of Lent and many, if not most of us have made some kind of commitment to fast, pray and give alms. Each of us has the best of intentions, however, we easily get distracted, especially from new undertakings. Some might call this the “squirrel effect”. We can be focused on one thing and then something else catches our attention, and “squirrel” we are off doing something completely different. How many times have we gone to do something, and then accomplished five other things but not the thing we originally set out to do? Probably several times each day!

Whether it is the season of Lent or any other time, it is important to try to rid ourselves of the vices in our lives and to build virtuous habits. Along the way, there are distractions that keep us from fully reaching our goal. Each day we need to wake up and be reminded of what our good intentions are for the day and pray “for the strength to accomplish with sincerity the bodily observances we undertake.” When we attempt to avoid distractions, we need to have a plan, we need strength for the journey! First, we must remember each day what we want to accomplish or avoid, and second, we need to keep the manner, or sincerity of the fast that God desires us to have. The first thoughts or words we have in the morning could be, “Good Morning, Lord, please help me keep my promises today!” or “Today, help me be faithful”. Beyond remembering our acts of penance for Lent, what is the manner we are making them happen? The prophet Isaiah asks “Is this the manner of fasting I wish, of keeping a day of penance?” (Isaiah 58:5) For many of us, this is quite a huge undertaking…remember the task and do it in a manner worthy of God. The truth of the Word of God exists to help us. Take time to pray with His Word. Avoid the Squirrels and focus on what matters! Here’s some strength for the journey:

Pray for the ability to focus, not on ourselves, but rather to make a gift of our lives. (1Peter4:10)
Help us to learn to always seek to do His will, not our own. (Matthew 6:33)
Make love the rule, in all relationships (even our relationship with ourselves) disregard self-interest and always think of others. (Philippians 2:4)
Prefer the good of others to our own. (Colossians 1: 9-12)

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

1 Peter 4:10 – As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.

Philippians 2:3-4 – Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.

Colossians 1:9-12 – Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.