Day 3 : Families in Mission
On the 3rd day of the novena in honour of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr Dominic shared about the mission of the family in the Church. Just as each individual member of the Catholic Church is entrusted to do the mission of Christ on earth, the Catholic family too has an evangelizing and missionary task.
While it may be easier to go on active mission work as an individual person, coordinating these activities as a family could be challenging as there are each member’s schedule, interest and ability to take into account too. This, however, is not a reason for families to not prioritize mission work, rather, efforts should be taken to do what they are able to in whatever circumstance that they are in. For example, attending Mass as a family, praying a decade of the rosary together, and expressing love for each other are some ways Christian families are called to evangelize. By living these examples in their daily lives, they are witnesses of the faith to those around them and may draw others to know Jesus and his Church.
Father Dominic shared three habits that every family member should practice:
- Be humble. One should be quick to seek an apology from another family member when required.
- Be simple. Be content with what one has and seek not for increasing material gains.
- Be kind. Always have a kind word or show an act of kindness to one’s family members.
On facing the ups and downs of family life, Fr Dominic told a story that would help keep these events in perspective. “A king asked a ring maker for a special ring which is able to lift spirits up when sad and calm one’s mood when euphoric. The ring maker unable to think of an inscription for the ring that would fit the king’s demands, seeks a sage’s advice for the right words. Upon hearing the ring maker’s predicament, the sage offers this advice, “Inscribe these words on the ring: This too shall pass.” As the saying goes, all things whether good or bad are fleeting and it would do one good to not dwell upon them. We are instead called to give thanks for the good and bad and remember that God is with us in all that we encounter.
Fr Dominic also gave a useful insight on personal prayer. When wanting to make oneself better, pray “Lord, help me to change” instead of “Lord, I want to change”. The former prayer will bear fruits as it is by God’s grace that we are able to change ourselves rather than through personal efforts alone.
The third day novena Mass was animated by the children of the parish who led the rosary and novena prayer recitation, took on the roles of commentator, lectors and psalmist, and formed the choir.
There was also a special blessing for families during the Mass. The day’s celebration concluded with a breakfast fellowship after Mass. (by Kathlin Ambrose)
