Marinated in Faith  November 2008

By Laura Esposito

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” So goes the famous line from the Dickens’ classic, A Tale of Two Cities. During these times of daily disasters, both natural and man-made, how can we instill a spirit of hope in our children? How can we hone their characters so finely that outsiders will see confident individuals filled with complete assurance?

As we enter this holy season, where food is at the center of our gatherings of family and friends, I recalled a statement a fellow companion in prayer used to describe her Catholic upbringing. Patti described herself as being marinated in the Catholic faith. Marinated, to steep a morsel of food in a liquid infused with delectable spices. What a vision! How could we possibly steep our children in the fruits of the Holy Spirit? How could we possibly infuse them in the mystery of the Lord’s Supper? How could we infuse their souls with the seeds of faith, home, love, wisdom, understanding, reverence, knowledge, courage, right judgment, and awe?

Quite a tall order for our over scheduled, busy lives. PRAY! How can this be done? Slowly, simply, and by living these virtues in our daily comings and goings. While we are gathering in the kitchen to prepare for our get- togethers, offer a prayer of thanks to God that we are together, that we are blessed with food and shelter, and that our generous God has provided for us. Now, put that prayer into action, and make some extra food for an elderly neighbor or homeless shelter. During your holiday baking, make it an event. Invite that single parent over with his/her children and bake some cookies together, then bake an extra batch or two and bring them to a shelter, a hospital, or a veterans home. Continue these simple lessons  of sharing by cleaning out a toy closet, a clothes closet, or dresser and donate the toys and clothes to those in need.

 By providing for others who are less fortunate, we in turn, receive the gift of hope. Christ taught us this lesson when he said whenever we provided for the least of our brethren, we provided for him.

 When our children see that they can make a difference, that when times get difficult and all seems hopeless, God will provide; we are teaching them an invaluable lesson. When we make our children aware that all the blessings bestowed upon them are multiplied when they share them with those in need, those actions stop the cycle of despair and replace it with hope. Saint Ignatius of Loyola said, “To those to whom much is given, much is expected,”

HOPE—Help Other People Everyday

Laura Esposito, DRE

St. Denis, Hopewell Junction, NY