CatholicFamilyToday

As a Marriage and Family Therapist I celebrate the chance to help married couples come to a better understanding of the Sacrament of Marriage. Sadly we have lost a sense of marriage as it was intended by God in the beginning. This blog is about marriage as it applies to scripture and the lives of the saints. As a Marriage Counselor I invite you to walk with me on a journey within the rich anthropology of our faith. The sacredness of Marriage is what this blog, and my work is all about.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Feast of Saint Raymond Nonnatus

Good morning. It isn’t anything they did; no it was what they didn’t do. The five foolish bridesmaids weren’t evil or wicked, just neglectful. So too it is with us sometimes. How often do we fail to do things for others? How often do we overlook or even choose not to do things we could do for our spouse. Today’s Gospel reading is about being prepared to do the good that sets there waiting for us to do. The five foolish bridesmaids were neglectful, and because they failed to look beyond themselves they were left out of the wedding banquet. So it is for us, if we fail to look beyond our own wants and needs we too will miss the party. How often do we find ourselves saying: “I was meaning to.” In the end, meaning to won’t cut it. What is it they say: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” So, let us not overlook the opportunities to do something for our spouse, and may we all one day dance with God. Make a great day!

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and work of Saint Raymond Nonnatus.

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BOOK OF THE MONTH

Awhile back I was out splitting wood when someone in passing introduced himself. Knowing me to be the parent of three of our four children whom the passerby knows he took the time to compliment me on what nice children Linda and I have. I suggested that most of the credit truly belongs to their mother and he responded that I likely had a play in it in some way and that whatever we did it should perhaps be put into a book. I thanked him and he went on his way and I resumed splitting wood with increased energy as a result of his kind words. This kind man is possibly correct about putting into a book whatever wisdom I might have to offer, but short of my ever getting any such wisdom published I might suggest reading the work of Peter Kreeft Before I Go: Letters to Our Children About What Really Matters. This delightful collection of instructional and at times humorous reflections by the author would likely reflect the type of things I would be inclined to put into words myself for my own children. Among many enlightening points the author makes, one which really needs to influence all that we as parents do is his point that the greatest gift which we give to our children is the gift of faith—their awareness of God. He likewise makes another critical point that when we are gone, “when the parent is dead, it’s too late to share the most precious things he knows.” This book should be part of every Christian family’s collection.