Feast of Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus.

Good morning. There is definitely a lesson to be had for us parents in the Gospel reading for today. Certainly one message is that in our communication with God we need to be regular and persistent, but there is another message in there for us parents. Jesus says to us: “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find.” Now, clearly we don’t always receive what we want, but it has been my experience that I have always received what I need. It may not always be what I thought I needed, but in the end God has never let me down. Much like children we do not always clearly know what is best for us, but God does. Herein is the lesson for us parents, we need to remind ourselves to respond to our children’s requests of us, much as God does with all of us, to respond in a way that is best. We need to respond in a way that teaches our children that happiness comes from time spent with those we love and not stuff. We live in a culture where the overindulgence of children has become a serious issue. We overindulge in the purchase of clothing, in electronic gadgets, in recreational activities. That chicken nuggets are the number one food on most children’s menu pretty well sums things up regarding who is making the decisions. Now, really, do you truly want me to believe that a seven year old has a need of a smart phone or that televisions are necessary assets to a child’s bedroom? Really? Overindulging our children at the very least sends the wrong message about what is important, and to the extreme results in serious behavioral and character issues. Let’s remember to give our children what they truly need today—LOVE. Make a great day!

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and works of Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus.