Praying For Our Parents


I just got back from a School Commission meeting. It was a bit lengthy but many important items were discussed and it was definitely a good use of our time.

One of the parents expressed the fact that because of her work and commitments she wasn't able to be home with her son to help him with his homework. I heard her say she didn't feel like she was being a good mom. Another mom responded by hugging her and saying that wasn't true and that she needed some encouragement. 

On the long trek back to the rectory (I'm being sarcastic!) I thought about all the difficulties moms and dads face each day. It must be incredibly challenging to be a mom or dad. Moms and dads are stewards of their children and while they ultimately belong to the Lord, a mom and dad have such power and influence over their children. This must be a great joy and a great challenge. 

The other day I was eating in a restaurant and watching a young family with two small children. The dad was getting very irritated with his oldest daughter and snapped at her with some very harsh words. My initial response was a sense of sorrow at his choice of words. Then, I was convicted by the Lord for being so judgmental. I have no idea what it is like to be a parent and the most helpful thing I could do was to pray for that family and all families. 

We have sadly created a society in many instances where both parents must work to provide for their family. I'm sure parents must feel conflicted with the demands of their time for their employers and the desire to have more time with their children. 

I hope and pray parents are finding the time to be alone with the Lord so that He can help you with all the important decisions you have to make each day. In spite of your own feelings of inadequacy from time to time, it is a comforting thought to know that God can work through our weaknesses. 

Parents, you have such an important role to play in the lives of your children. Please don't forget to pray with them and from time to time share your struggles because some day most of them (unless they get called from the Lord to be a priest or a religious brother or sister) will have many of the same struggles you have. Your willingness to talk about your struggles and seeking God's help in the midst of them, will provide a powerful witness they will not forget. 

When I first came to St. Brendan's nearly eight years ago, I was called upon to celebrate a funeral Mass for a mom who passed away. The daughter was recalling with me what a woman of faith her mom was. Her father had abandoned the family leaving her mom with a number children to provide for. Christmas was just around the corner and the family had run out of food and was not able to provide any presents are decorations for Christmas. She remembers walking past her mother's bedroom and seeing her mom on her knees pleading with the Lord for help. A few minutes later their was a knock at the door. The Knight of Columbus found out about their need and brought food and presents for the entire family. She said, "my mother didn't have it easy...but she was woman of incredible faith!" 

Wow!

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