THE FAMILY ZONE
Equipping the Domestic Church/ISSUE 177 2.1.26
From a Lavish Upbringing to A Life of Service
St. Francis was not always SAINT Francis. He was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone and grew up the son of a merchant. His father was traveling to southern France to sell his wares when Giovanni was born. When his father came back, he called him Giovanni Francesco or “Frenchy.” Because of his father’s success, money was plentiful and Francis was known as a free spirit who loved beautiful clothes, music, and lavish parties.
Despite being known for opulence, there are early stories that point toward his disposition for love of the poor. For example, when he was selling cloth in the square for his father as a young man, a beggar came asking for alms. After the day’s business was done, Francis tracked him down and gave him all the money in his purse. His friends saw it as ridiculous and his father scolded him, but it was the start of something more for Francis.
Formerly attributed to Giotto, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Beatitudes
Today, at Mass, the Gospel of Matthew will focus on the Beatitudes https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020126.cfm. Here are some ways in which you can take these principles that help guide our conscience, and apply them to daily family life:
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Practice stewardship and recognize your family's dependence on God.
Blessed are the Meek: Practice gentleness and humility within the family and beyond the doors of your home.
Blessed are those who Mourn: Compassionately pray for the suffering in your community and around the world.
Blessed are those who Hunger for Justice: Teach your children to live with integrity and stand for truth.
Blessed are the Merciful: Practice forgiveness and encourage the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Blessed are the Pure in Heart: Teach your children to be sincere and authentic and to recognize that in others.
Blessed are the Peacemakers: Build harmony in the home and teach your children to be peacemakers in their groups of friends by avoiding gossip and exclusion.
Blessed are those who are Persecuted: Teach your children to make the right choices even if they are unpopular.
Altar Candles
Prior to the Second Vatican Council, altar candles needed to be composed primarily of beeswax. Currently, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal does not specify the material of the candles as long as they are wax; the type of wax can be chosen by the bishop. There must be a minimum of two lit candles for Mass but you will likely see up to six at Mass and Holy Days and there are seven present when a bishop celebrates the Mass. Take note of the candles at your parish as we prepare to celebrate Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of the Temple, when candles are often brought from home to be blessed. The candles serve as a symbol of Christ's light!
Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org
Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210