THINK. FEEL. DO. Even if caring for children is not part of your life, you doubtlessly face daily tasks — little crosses — that feel more like burdens than blessings.
PARTICIPATING IN THE HOLY MASS FAITHFULNESS Yes, the Mass is extraordinary, but we still bring our ordinary humanity to worship. Mass can feel like the longest hour of the week if you’re holding a crying, grumpy baby. If someone hasn’t told you this, let me reassure you: You belong at Mass. The sound of children at Mass means the Church is full of new life, a healthy family. My husband and I struggle with that feeling of not getting “filled up” because we are always juggling the needs of little ones during Mass. We try to remind each other that God will bless our faithfulness and that, even if we don’t hear one word of the homily, Christ fills us when we receive him in the Eucharist! PRAYER FOR FAITHFULNESS: Dearest Father, here I am. As I come to worship you, I offer any setbacks and frustrations as a prayer for my children’s salvation. May our family always seek you, know you, love you and remain faithful for generations to come. Maybe you think finding God in these ordinary places seems forced. Some days when I’m pushed to the limits of my energy and patience, when I feel like there isn’t enough of me to go around, I have my doubts. I’m tempted to believe I must find holiness and a deep relationship with God somewhere, anywhere, else. When doubts come, I look at the lives of the saints to remind myself that, “Everything done out of love acquires greatness and beauty” (The Way). May we have eyes to see the holy and divine in our homes today and have open hearts to meet God in the most ordinary places.
THINK: For whom are you a caretaker? An aging parent? A spouse? A pet? A co-worker? A friend? What roles do you perform that you sometimes wish you could avoid? FEEL: Look beneath the surface to summon gratitude in your heart. Helping your “high-maintenance” co-worker means you have a job. Looking after a parent, pet or spouse means you’ve had loved ones to rely on when you’ve been in need yourself. Standing by a friend shows that you’re part of a social community. All of these are reasons to feel immensely thankful. DO: Thank the people in your life for the opportunity to care for them — the opportunity to minister to Christ through them. Approach your tasks with joy, and when that feels impossible, approach the Lord in prayer for compassion, tenderness, fortitude, gratitude, patience, humility and faithfulness.
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