What? Wait—What Did You Say?

Preparing for Mass the other day, my mind was thinking about a son and his family. Like many Catholic parents, we watch and pray—as those grown children fail to see the need to go to church or teach their children “the way in which they should grow.” You pray for those wandering sons and daughters and now the grandchildren who are following in their paths. Most of these grandchildren are now old enough to have babies being raised in lifestyles that you know will bring them problems too, for there is no solid Rock that the home is built on.

Arriving to Mass, I am bringing them all along, as I offer the Mass up for them. God saw my concerns and sent His Words that day in the Gospel that made my heart leap for joy!!!

Mt 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven."

As Father read those words---my ears heard “whoever breaks one of the least commandments and teaches others to do so will be called the LEAST in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!”

Oh alleluiah, those children of mine are still in Kingdom of Heaven—even though they stray! Those words were just as reassuring to my own heart for God knows that daily I tend to stray in some little way. Someone may be watching my example and think ---“If she can do that, guess it’s okay for me too.” (Thank you God, that You do not kick me out of Your Kingdom!)

Many are the times too; I am reminded that I was taught --- when we are confirmed we are marked forever by the Holy Spirit. When baptized ---we are consecrated as a Child of God’s. All of my children received the first four Sacraments, and attended many Healing Services which included teachings and fantastic praise and worship music—which is very anointing in God’s mysterious ways.

Then too, there is this image given once to me. Troubled, I had asked Jesus—“Would I ever stray so far that I would be forever lost?” Immediately my mind is sent the image of the Good Shepherd reaching out His staff and pulling me back to Him, and the Word—“Never”---resonated in my heart. Never indeed!

Our children are covered by our prayers and faithfulness to God’s Words.

One of my favorite Promise of God's about 'offspring' is found in Isaiah Chapter 44. (Oh you may not recognize your name there—but we are Jacob, Israel whom He has chosen.)

Verse 1----Hear then, Jacob, My servant, Israel, whom I have chosen.

2Thus says the LORD Who made you, your help, who formed you from the womb.

Do not fear, Jacob, My servant, the darling,^* whom I have chosen.

3I will pour out water upon the thirsty ground, streams upon the dry land;

I will pour out My Spirit upon your offspring, My blessing upon your descendants.

4They shall spring forth amid grass like poplars beside flowing waters.^a

5One shall say, “I am the LORD’s,” another shall be named after Jacob,

And this one shall write on his hand,^* “The LORD’s,” and receive the name Israel.^b

Yes, God is good and faithful ----ALL THE TIME! His love endures FOREVER!

Fear not about your children—for they are God’s just as you are.