October 7, 2009 Our Lady of the Rosary

Today's reading finds Jonah bellyaching over God's mercy. So many times I find myself thinking Jonah's same thoughts. I mean, really, who thinks the prodigal son or the lost lamb deserves that much attention. God's plan is hard to understand in today's "What about me?" society. I take comfort that even one of God's chosen ones felt the same things I do sometimes. It tells me it is entirely human to feel that way when a stray sibling or a goofy coworker gets a little attention. But it also tells me that God is far beyond us. His mercy is so unfathomable that we simply don't get why he makes such a fuss.

That is comforting to me when I goof up. I'm so glad our God has a love for me (and you!) that I can't even understand. He really desires me to be with him, even when I turn away. And he will run after me and be there when I'm ready to turn back to Him. Our God is not petty or jealous or vengeful. That is what makes the prayer that Jesus teaches in the gospel today so beautiful. When we pray, we are to be so completely dependent on our God, calling him Father. Have you hugged your heavenly Father today?

One way to show God a little extra love and devotion today is to pray the rosary, in honor of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. If your kids have trouble staying attentive, then start with a decade. Or, have them color a picture of each mystery while the rest of the family recites the rosary. I even know of a mom who made a rosary out of powdered and chocolate mini donuts and whoever led the prayer got to eat the donut! What a great way to pray after dinner. Hey, whatever works! Let the little children come!

Feast of St. Therese

For today's readings, see link to daily readings.

I know, it's been a while since my last post. I've been a little busy. But the nagging (and I mean that in the most reverent way) voice in my heart and head won't let me be. So here I am with a burning desire to share with other Catholic moms today's scripture and feast day.

Today is the feast of St. Therese. What is remarkable to me about her life is how young she was when she felt the call of Christ. They say she was a bit spoiled and melodramatic, and yet, she came to an intimacy with Christ that allowed her to deny herself for others. Her little way of offering every act and sacrifice, no matter how small, as a means to bring her to heaven, inspires me. As a mom, I can feel like what I'm doing is such a waste of my talents. I mean, I could be out saving the world and here I am changing diapers and settling squabbles. St. Therese's little way puts all that into perspective. If my goal in life is to get myself and my children into heaven, following her little way gives me a means to do it.

In today's first reading, Ezra reads to the multitudes: men, women, and children old enough to understand. What age is a child old enough to understand the word of God? Who are we to say? Therese was very young when she came to know Christ intimately. The scripture that inspired her little way was when Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matt 19:13-15) She knew that becoming greater was not the key, but to become smaller so that the arms of Christ could pick her up and lift her to heaven. Her holiness came about in the small ways; ways not even perceptible to others.

How did I tried to bring my little ones to Christ today? Well, my favorite way is through food. Tonight's dessert was French plum cake in honor of St. Therese and I splurged on a beautiful dozen red roses to commemorate her feast. At supper I shared with the kids the story of St. Therese's intersession on my behalf for their dad's conversion. We talked about the little ways we can be holy in our daily life. My daughter piped up that we could be nice to each other in the family. We all agreed that would be a miracle that just might get us all into heaven!