A Word from Your Pastor February 5

Dear Parishioners:

A few days ago, the Church celebrated the Feast of the Presentation, that moment when Mary and Joseph presented the Infant Jesus at the Temple, in fulfillment of the Law of Moses.  On that occasion, Scripture tells us, Simeon and Anna were present and observed the grace.  Simeon’s prayer, the Nunc Dimittis, continues to be prayed by the whole Church as part of Night Prayer each night before sleep, and we continues to do what Anna did, telling everyone about the Child, especially those awaiting the consolation of the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Lord, now you let Your servant go in peace; Your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which You have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of Your people Israel.

This encounter at the Temple mirrors the celebration of Baptism that most experience: an infant brought to the Font of Baptism by parents and godparents.  Baptism is a joyful experience that brings families of Faith together as they rejoice in the gift of their children and as they express their hopes and dreams for what will become of their children.

Unlike the role of Simeon and Anna, however, the role of the participants, especially parents and godparents, in the life of the children brought for Baptism is just beginning.  Parents are required to attend a pre-Baptismal class in order to reflect upon the promises they will make.  Godparents are chosen not for social reasons, but for reasons of Faith, as examples to the children as supporters for the parents in bringing up the children in the Faith.

At a Baptism, parents are given a particular instruction about the duty they have toward their children and godparents are asked about their willingness to assist the parents in fulfillment of this duty:

You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him/her in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him/her up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?

Baptism begins the Life of Grace and the Life of Faith.  It is not a mere ceremony celebrated and then forgotten.  The Church takes very seriously the responsibility to invite parents to live up to their promises.

What does it mean to practice the Faith?  How do parents teach their children to obey God’s Commandments?  Do you who are parents understand clearly what you have promised?

Focolare Word of Life for February 2017

“A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you.”  (Ezekiel 36:26)

http://www.focolare.org/en/news/category/parola-di-vita/