I could not believe it, but was so delighted with his admonition, that I think I wished I had the computer out taking notes.
The Canon stated that the family must be a place which is conducive to the growth of the Catholic Faith.
Wow. And, this is so true. That, unless the Faith is preserved and encouraged in the family, it will die.
Not only is prayer important, and the sacramental life essential, but the entire atmosphere should allow for reflection.
His ideas fit neatly into the post from earlier today wherein I stressed that the laity must also pursue perfection as well as the religious person. We cannot believe the lies of some of the clergy from the past 50 years, a Siren's call which allowed the laity to be content with a second-class citizenship of holiness. This attitude, so often given in the Confessional, (not by the excellent priests in Bayswater, by the way, who are great). That priests have encouraged sins, such as contraception, is documented and witnessed by some many of the laity. One cannot be holy and commit mortal sin.
The Canon this morning pointed to this haven of a home of silence and composure. What does this mean in practical terms for us?
One, simplifying life. The kids do not have to do everything.
Two, simplifying life. You do not have to own everything or have the perfect living room or state-of-the-art kitchen.
Three, simplifying life. Mom stays at home and you all take a lower standard of living.
Four, being orthodox in your beliefs; that is, conforming your minds, hearts and souls to the Church.
Five, not having a television, or at least, restricting viewing. We did not have one in my little family and we learned to have times of silence.
Six, why silence? One cannot hear God, nor experience the movements of the Holy Spirit in noise.
Seven, why composure? Anger and hatred, rudeness and lack of manners have no place in the home. The world needs yet more gentlemen and gentle ladies. Composure in a home creates an atmosphere of peace so that children may grow up in respect and love. Noise is not respectful.
That this priest could see the problem is a grace for us and him. Let us all pray how to make our homes places of silence and composure so that the children can learn to hear God and not the noise of the world.
St. John the Baptist went into the desert. So did Christ and St. Paul. Our homes can be "desert homes".
Create a place where holiness and perfection can take root and grow.
New Years Eve
Monday 31st December 2012 at 17:30
Monday 31st December 2012 at 17.30 hrs Te Deum Mass by the Archbishop of Malta Mgr Paul Cremona OP and the Rev Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter.
