Be mindful of the children

The story is told about a mother who asked her children at the dining table: “Dear children, who is the most obedient, among you in our house?” They all spontaneously chorused “Dad!”

—————-

Today is the Feast of the Sto Niño, commemorating the Holy childhood of Jesus. In today’s Gospel (Luke 2:41-52), we hear about the 12-year-old Jesus who got lost in the temple because His parents presumed that He was already in the caravan with their relatives and friends. So, who got lost? Jesus remained in the temple. His parents were the ones who left. All too often, it is the parents who are not obedient, and that is why the children get lost.

—————-

Someone once said that there are no problem children; there are only problem parents who were irresponsible, immature, and selfish, and were not ready to raise their children with their loving presence and committed love.

—————-

There are many “broken” families, and it is the children who suffer most. The child is not the reason why families are broken, and it is the child that is most broken when their parents break up, for whatever reason. Restoration is possible. Healing happens when in humility and honestly, we seek the presence and love of God in our families. Give peace a chance. Give God a chance!

—————-

It is interesting to note that Joseph and Mary both presumed that the boy Jesus was among the relatives and acquaintances in the caravan on their way home. There is no substitute for the personal presence and love of parents for the children. The care for the children cannot be substituted by others. It is nontransferable, as far as possible. But having said that, we also acknowledge the invaluable role of generous and willing people who help fill up whatever love is lacking in broken homes and dysfunctional relationships.

—————-

There are valid reasons why marriages don’t work or why families are broken, but it is never a hopeless situation, as long as God’s presence and love is not set aside. Grace works in ways we do not and cannot know. To those who say, “Sh*t happens,” we likewise, say, “Grace happens!”

—————-

“After three days, they found Him in the temple…” (Luke 2:46) Jesus was found because He stayed in the temple, in the presence of God. Perhaps this is a clue for those who get lost, get separated, or broken, and that is to find each other in God’s heart. In God’s heart, we can find peace, forgiveness, and love. Yes, if we are open to God’s presence and love, peace and healing happens.

—————-

“As long as the trunk is firm, worry not about the branches swaying in the wind.” I believe in my heart that faith in God can make us strong and hopeful as we think of what is ahead for the next generation. There are so many scary possibilities that can happen to those who come after us, but the best thing we can do for them is just to love them and help them to be strong in their faith with God. “Pray, hope, don’t worry.” (St. Padre Pio)

—————-

We are reminded by Pope Francis that we are “pilgrims of hope.” First of all, we are all just passing by through this world, and we are on a journey to God’s heart. We carry nothing with us when we leave this world, except the good things we have done. Let us not leave our trash for those who come after us, and may we not hurt others as we pass by.

—————-

Let us take care of mother nature and mother earth. Let us not be selfish and greedy, so that the children and the generations that come after us can still sing “What a wonderful world!”

—————-

Pity the children, the littles ones, who do not have a bright future ahead of them because of our selfish and greedy so-called public servants who do not really love our country and our people. Praying earnestly, praying constantly that our politicians and government officials remember in their hearts that public service is not self-service and not family service.

—————-

Think about this: “When whales fight, it is the little shrimps that get hurt and die.” (Korean proverb)

—————-

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help us to be mindful always of the children, and the “little ones.” Amen.

—————-

momentswithfrjerry@gmail.com