Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin
(Titus 2:1-8.11-14; Luke 17:7-10)
A family is not a household. A family is based upon blood relationships
among people. People can belong to the same family without living in the same
household. People live together in a household for a common purpose. They share daily experiences in order to be
united in a community of care. In a
household people come to know that they live for one another and not for
themselves. In a Christian household they
learn as well that God has called them to this purpose and that Christ has made
known the reason for the call.
Today’s first reading from the Letter to Titus assigns
responsibilities to different members of the household. Older women are to teach younger women. Younger women are to take care of household
needs. Younger men are to teach their
children virtue so that no one can criticize the Church, the household of
households. The purpose of this great
household is to witness to Christ, the Savior, who will come to justify the
sacrifices made by his people.
Most of us live in a culture that plays down the work of
a household. We seldom pray together at
home, much less teach our children about God.
We don’t even eat together much anymore.
Should we wonder why young men and women have lost the faith? Likewise, should we wonder why the young are
individualistic? We need to reclaim the
work of the household to pass on our hope for the Savior. Indeed, we have to reclaim it to pass on our
humanity.
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