Last Sunday my two guys dressed up in blue shirts and ties for mass... they agreed to pose for me in front of the patio door. Last night, while I was working evenings at the nursing home, John and our son-in- law, Paul, were singing at the 5p mass. The whole tribe from Pat's mom to the grandkids were all at mass, and then went out to the local Mexican Restuarant, and when I called them on my lunch break- I heard a lot of laughter and talking... as they enjoyed each other's company after receiving Jesus in the meeting of Heaven and earth at mass. I just went to Maria and Nancy's blog - http://dosmallthingswithlove.blogspot.com/... it was wonderful to read Nancy's comments about Sunday dinner as well as Maria's sharing about the giving to the poor. I would highly suggest that you take the time to read it, as I have been given strict orders not to borrow from that blog and put on mine. This really chimed in with some sharing that John and Pat had last night about how wonderful going to mass was as a family, and then the laughing, and eating, and visiting grandma, or whatever came after was always great! John told Pat that he remembers Sundays as a happy family day that they all enjoyed and looked forward to. I know that I have had many tell me that they remember us coming to mass with all the girls dressed alike and with ribbons in their hair at the 7a mass! "And then you had that boy!" I think there was a loud communal breath taken in surprise when we finally walked in with that blue bundle for the first time after 4 girls!
Here is one example from my brother's wedding... I was a bit creative with the colors on this occassion, but yes I sewed them all... I even match! My two guys are now much younger and dressed in white shirts and ties! I just had a call from Texas and Maria's kids are super excited to realize that their new little cousin will be arriving in just 2 days! I told Therese that we will have to call them on Skype so that they can see the new little one almost as soon as we do! We had the gift of a baptism during mass today! How I love to hear the prayers, and when you are standing there with your new little precious infant... the prayers are so powerful! But after Pat shared on the way to mass this morning about how the kids really have such warm memories of worshiping together... the blessing prayers over the mother and father were especially powerful and sweet!
Celebrant: "God the Father, through his Son, the Virgin Mary's child, has brought joy to all Christian mothers, as they see the hope of eternal life shine on their children. May he bless the mother of this child. She now thanks God for the gift of her child. May she be one with him (her) in thanking him for ever in heaven, in Christ Jesus our Lord." Wow! Isn't that just so glorious a prayer? That my child and I may be thanking HIM forever in heaven for the gift of LIFE!
And for the father's blessing;
Celebrant: "God is the giver of all life, human and divine. May he bless the father of this child. He and his wife will be the first teachers of their child in the ways of faith. May they be also the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord." Once again the words and reality of what it means to a family to have a father, who is truly a teacher of the faith in word and deed! This is where the basis for a domestic church/ family of faith starts, and becomes a reality!
Lord Jesus Christ, we are blessed to have this Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Easter! We are filled with gratitude for all the love and Truth we find in our domestic Church/ family. The gift of sharing worship and the LIFE and LOVE that our faith brings to us! May we cherish all LIFE and may that reflect to the world your LIGHT for all to see! That in word and deed we may share YOU with all those that we come in contact - especially with those that are the closest to us! We are forever blessed by the sacraments and and wisdom of YOUR Church and YOUR WORD! We fall on our knees and ask that you humble us and use us to your honor and glory! Celebrant: "By God's gift, through water and the Holy Spirit, we are reborn to everlasting life. In his goodness, may he continue to pour out his blessings upon these sons and daughters of his. May he make them always, wherever they may be, faithful members of his holy people. May he send his peace upon all who are gathered here, in Christ Jesus our Lord." We are forever grateful to you our Good Shepherd for gathering us into your fold. Protect us from the wolves! Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Halleluia, Halleluia, Halleluia!
Bless-bless, Barb
"It is my hope that with nice table settings I can be better about making a nice Sunday dinner every Sunday. My mom was always so good about this, and continues to be. I have many fond memories of sitting, eating too much, and sitting some more laughing and talking long after the meal is over. I also like that Sunday meals are more formal--and more of a Feast!"
daughter, Nancy Anna, from her and Maria's blog -
http://dosmallthingswithlove.blogspot.com/ Sorry... it was such a sweet thing and I borrowed it, but please take the time to look at their blog!
I love to see my kids together... Maria's wedding 2007!
The two grandchildren will become 9 here with us and two in heaven in just a few months... in two days Ruth will have her arms full again! Jesus, we trust in you!
No comments:
Post a Comment