If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are: First Reading: Zechariah 8:1-8 Responsorial: Psalm 102:16-21, 29 and 22-23 Gospel: Luke 9:46-50
Our reflection on Tuesday’s readings: “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Luke 9:47
In today’s Gospel Jesus promises an incredible blessing for all parents, step parents, grandparents, catechists, and caregivers; “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
Our Catholic teaching tells us that marriage is about both unification and procreation. In marriage preparation one major area of inquiry is: What do the engaged couple feel about having and raising children? It is important that “They commit themselves completely to each other and to the wondrous responsibility of bringing children into the world and caring for them.” If one or both of the engaged couple are not open to having and raising children, that would be an obstacle to a Catholic marriage.
For me, getting married and having children forced me to be less egocentric while I learned to love, care, and take responsibility for others. The blessings have been enormous, but my ego did not take the journey easily, and I was not ready until I was in my thirties. However, by the time we had our three children we fully appreciated what our parents did for us.
You have heard the saying; “Evangelism starts at home.” Our first teachers are our mothers and fathers. They taught us by their actions, by how they lived their faith, and by the education they afforded us. Now it is our turn to share the love of God with children. Whether we are parents, stepparents, grandparents, catechists, or caregivers, Jesus blesses us for our efforts, love, and acceptance of children.
Let us pray that all children learn to love and serve the LORD. Amen.
