Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Feast of the Visitation

Today is the Feast of the Visitation- when Mary goes to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth and both exult in the amazing things God has done in their lives. The Gospel today is Luke 1: 39-56, and contains some very familiar words... both Elizabeth's greeting to Mary, which has become part of our familiar "Hail Mary" prayer, and Mary's poetic response, known as the Magnificat.

You could help your children appreciate this feast by talking about how it feels to have good news to share, and how it feels to get to hear someone else's good news, too. Maybe you could take a couple minutes to listen to each other share a piece of good news-- especially what you are thankful to God for today. 

The other part of the story is that while both women were experiencing miraculous pregnancies (Mary as a virgin, Elizabeth as a woman long past child-bearing years), they both surely had concerns and worries connected to these great gifts. They supported and encouraged each other-- something that (hopefully) comes natural to family. Are there concerns and worries that your child and you can help each other with, and can pray for each other about?

As we come to the end of May, the month dedicated to Mary, praying the Hail Mary together would be a lovely way to conclude your family conversation.
Hail Mary, full of grace, 
the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Monday, May 2, 2011

What to say to your children about Bin Laden's death?

I can't begin to tell you what to say, if your children ask about the killing of Osama bin Laden, but let me refer you to this article for your own reflection and consideration: "What is a Christian Response to Bin Laden's Death?"