Family
Spirituality
Families can
get more out of Mass
At Home with our Faith
offered a series of 10 short articles on how your family can get more
out of the Mass. We walked through the chronology of the Mass, from
preparation and gathering through the final blessing and sending forth.
Each month for ten issues we suggested ways that you and your family
can better appreciate how the Mass can deepen and enrich our life
together. What follows are the ten installments.
What’s on your
mind?
I was recently on a business
trip to Spain where I attended Mass in the lovely town of Vic. Because
of my meager knowledge of Catalan (the language in which Mass was
being celebrated), I understood little of what was being said. But
as the priest got up to proclaim the gospel, I was able to join in
happily with the whole congregation as we each traced the sign of
the cross on our own forehead, lips, and heart. Though I would catch
only occasional words of the scripture readings and homily I was able
to signify my own hope that the Word of God would live in my thoughts,
in my words, and in my desires.
I learned this practice
as a kid by watching the adults around me, and it retains great meaning
for me today. Actions can speak louder than words. They can also amplify
the words we speak and hear. This three-fold blessing is such a specific
action that I rarely take it for granted. I find it challenges me
to listen with an open mind and heart, ready to take action on what
I hear.
This is a great way
to teach your children a valuable lesson about our faith. If you teach
them to take on the habit of this triple blessing before the gospel,
they’ll know that the words they are about to hear and absorb
are not merely ordinary words. It will help them remain alert.
Because the Sunday
readings were written long ago and far away, they can sometimes be
obscure and difficult even for adults. Here are some suggestions on
how to help your children be more attentive to the Liturgy of the
Word and to get more of the richness they have to offer:
1.
Read the readings
ahead of time. A good time would be at dinner during the week. You
can discuss what they mean to you and raise any questions people have
about them. The book At Home with the Word is a great resource;
it costs $7 and contains the readings for the coming Sunday along
with helpful reflections. You can call Liturgy Training Publications
at 800-933-1800 to order. For daily meditations on the readings, try
the Bible Diary from Claretian Publications of the Philippines,
$14.95 plus shipping (800-328-6515).
2.
Discuss the readings
and the homily with your children after Mass. Ask, "What one
thing struck you the most about the readings and homily?" If
you do this consistently, your children will be more likely to listen.
Share your own thoughts.
3.
Ask your children
if they have ever heard or talked about these particular readings
in religious education class. Ask what lessons or exercises they remember
about it.
4.
Have younger children
draw pictures based on the readings. This will be especially easy
when the gospel features one of the parables like the Good Shepherd,
the sower in the field, or the prodigal son.
5.
Let your kids see
you discuss the readings with other adults (your spouse, older children,
friends) so your children get the sense that these words are worthy
of at least as much interest as the latest episode of ER.
6.
Use biblical examples
when you correct your children or explain moral questions to them.
For example, if they fear they did something so wrong they’ll
never be forgiven, remind them of the forgiving father racing out
to greet the prodigal son on his way home.
7.
Encourage your parish
to invite talented young people to be lectors, too. Especially at
holidays like Christmas or the feast of the Holy Family, having young
people read would generate new interest. TJM
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