Oscar Romero was beatified just 3 weeks ago –
on the road to sainthood – declared by
Pope Francis a martyr for the faith.
Today’s Gospel reminds me of the words of
Archbishop Romero:
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the Church's mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about:
We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an
opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the Church's mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about:
We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an
opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest.
The mustard seed.
I am often reminded - this is the role of
parent – to plant the seeds of faith.
How is this done?
-
Family centered on love, service and
prayer
-
Encouraging parents to be committed
to each other in Holy Matrimony.
-
To build up our own domestic churches
-
For all – married or not – to be
fruitful : godparents, uncles, aunts, coaches, teachers.
-
To be homes for wounded hearts – love
unconditionally
Some practical ways:
1)
Our parish needs to welcome all
families, including single parents, the divorced and those with disabilities
2)
Volunteer on behalf of young people
3)
Defend the Sacrament of Marriage
4)
Donate to St. Vincent de Paul or other
programs that help families
5)
Consider Ministry of Care, especially
making emergency meals
6)
Prayer with children
7)
Read about saints and choose a family
patron saint
8)
Support a crisis pregnancy center
like Birthright or CareNet
9)
Commit to regular family meals, and
pray for families around the world.
10)
Include grandparents, aunts
&uncles in family gatherings.
This enables us to do something, and to do it
very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an
opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an
opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest
