St. Bede-St. Denis Parish Home

Dear brothers and sisters:

 

On one occasion, I was struck by an interview in which a well-known artist, with a mocking smile, shamelessly declared that he had been a terrible father. Many families suffer bitter experiences, and children grow up with complicated memories of their parents that are difficult to process. That is why I find it hard to understand how someone can trivialize and take lightly something as important as fatherhood.

 

My experience as a son is, fortunately, very different. Looking back, I gratefully recall the many things I received as a child, freely and without any merit on my part, and this memory is a constant lesson against pride and selfishness. The experience of how our parents made us feel like beloved children is inspiring as we contemplate the revelation that manifested itself on the day of Jesus’ Baptism with that voice that said: "This is my beloved Son; listen to him."

 

Being children of God, as Jesus was, is the greatest gift we could ever receive. There is no greater honor, success, prestige, or personal achievement than knowing each day that we are children of God and loved by Him without Him asking for anything in return. As with our earthly parents, in life we can also go through stages where God seems to be a hindrance, and we forget about Him because we are too busy with our own affairs. For those moments, when we are tempted by detachment, discouragement, fears, or remorse for past mistakes, it is good to remember that no matter what happens in our lives, no one can take away from us the fact that we are children of a Father who will always be waiting for us to tell us that we are not alone and that we can count on His forgiveness, His patience, and His love.

 

Feeling loved, cared for, and grateful helps us not to forget who we are. That is the greatest honor we who are baptized have and that we share with Jesus: the Son with a capital S, whom God asks us to listen to in order to learn from Him.

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

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