Soul Food September 2009

From Our Sunday Visitor's Grace In Action

New parable: Teach your children well

There once was a child who lived in fear. Upon hearing news reports of school shootings and natural disasters and pandemics, this boy shuddered in his skin. The world seemed a wicked, hostile place, full of perils and threats. Every stranger seemed a potential criminal. This boy had no sense of the spiritual. His parents believed neither in God, nor in angels nor saints. This child knew only the scientific world, the realm of empirical evidence. And the boy never felt safe, not even while in his own home, because he worried about kidnappers and germs, food poisoning, lightning bolts and house fires.

There was another boy who also knew about the dangers in the world, the possible tragedies, random misfortunes and maladies. This youngster, however, did not find himself paralyzed by fear. His family had given him the gift of faith. This boy knew he was never alone. This child had listened to the stories of Scripture, and took comfort in God’s love and the law of love given by Jesus Christ.

This boy especially loved the stories of the brave saints. And although he believed in the existence of evil, he also believed in the existence of angels. The boy knew that strangers could be angels in disguise. He never forgot one of the first prayers he’d learned — the prayer to his guardian angel. He also called upon the archangels. As he grew, the boy learned more and more prayers that helped to bring him comfort and feel safe in God’s hands — even in the darkest hours.

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Grace In Action is a bulletin insert, aimed at the entire parish, helping to inspire each and every parishioner toward a personal conversion of the heart, and a commitment to stewardship. In each monthly issue, Grace in Action will encourage your parishioners to give their own time, talent, and treasure for the sake of others. It's lively, colorful, easy to read, and full of simple suggestions that help incorporate stewardship into everyday living.For more information about Grace In Action, click here» or call 800-348-2440, ext. 2576.