Where does Jesus Christ enter the lives of families?

Where does Jesus Christ enter the lives of families?

What is the essence of our discussions as husband and wife?  When raising children, paying bills, handling a crisis that appears unexpectedly, and looking to the future as if we can solve all problems, the burden of all this may challenge what faith we have.

From the very beginning of created life, there arose problems following the fall of man.  God was disappointed at the manner Adam and Eve fell into after sin became a current activity of rejecting God’s commandment.  The reason they were turned out of Paradise is the very attraction to the evil of sin they chose and we have followed suit as well.  

"Their eyes were opened and they fell under the control of seeking what the serpent told them that they would become like God.”  (cf with Gn 3: 1 ff).

How often as each of us struggles with life’s challenges trying to ascertain the reality of living faithfully and many times falling short of an adequate solution.  As we have seen the recent absence of the empty pews, and so many who have left have not sought God’s intervention, is it any wonder that without Christ as the center of our lives the spiritual element has dried up for too many.

At least, when church attendance is a regular activity the resurgence of scripture, sacraments, and evangelizing to those who are not here will take hold and keep our attention on who we want to guide us and ensure our faith.  The old adage; “Out of sight, out of mind.”  I have seen far too many people, many with very close relationships, who tell me they still believe and pray.  Maybe, but again when the common exercise of sharing Christ with others and finding God through the sacraments it is difficult to believe that has any merit.  

If the early followers of Jesus would have chosen to remain home and pray alone, especially if their choice is over some scandal, the church would not have had a chance to grow,  

“They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.  Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.  All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them according to each one’s need.  Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes.  They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.  And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”  (Acts 2: 42 - 47).

My wife and I talk a lot about scripture and theological premises that are televised and make comparisons among different doctrines and guidelines that are always present to everyone.  The essence of Christ and his Passion/Resurrection gives meaning to our own faith.  However, we have not stopped attending holy Mass.  It is there that the sacramental life has taken priority in our lives and we try to at least set ourselves as an example to those who have chosen not to.

Ralph B. Hathaway