September 2024
Reflections of God's Goodness
Could it really be time for school to start already? Little ones, older children and new college students are always excited as the new school year begins. As parents and grandparents our roles in the lives of these children are more important than ever as they face the world beyond home.
“See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
The world is not interested in teaching them about the love of God. We can do this by loving them unconditionally. We can accept them as they are and encourage them in whatever they are doing. The world can be cruel, and parents and grandparents are a safe haven to recover from the bumps and knocks they experience.
Children are full of questions about everything! When questions arise, we can answer from our reservoir of faith and prayer, simply and honestly. Having a children’s bible and exposing them to God’s word at every opportunity is important. Most answers are there if we look closely.
We can pray with them, teaching them to go to God for help. The sign of the Cross is a simple prayer and yet holds the great mystery of our God. Little ones can learn, and older children can be reminded that when we make the cross on our body, we are speaking with the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit and remembering Jesus dying on the cross for us.
“… Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
You could take them to visit a favorite church or holy site. Just enjoy it with them. When possible, invite them into a volunteer service opportunity with you. It will help them discover the joy of helping others.
Loving each of them unconditionally is the most important way we can bring Jesus to the children we love. Pray for grace and wisdom to do that!
May the Good God inspire you and guide you as you bring Jesus to the children in your life, and may He bless you with wisdom and grace to accompany them on their journey.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“What will separate us from the love of Christ?… For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Read the previous reflections:
As the new school year begins, our roles as parents and grandparents are more important than ever. Guide and nurture your children with unconditional love, faith, and prayer, helping them navigate a world that often overlooks God's love. Explore ways to support their spiritual journey and discover the profound impact you can have on their lives. Blessings from Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN.
Summer is going by fast. It’s August already, and I want to hold on to the best of summer — fresh vegetables and fruits, the many flowers in full bloom and green everywhere. I see the beauty all around me and I thank God for the magnificence of His creation. What a gift God has given us!
Why is it that we often don’t recognize Jesus? Remember the disciples who were walking along a road when someone joined them. Not just someone, but Jesus Himself, risen from the dead! But they didn’t know this person and continued to tell Him the story of Jesus life, death and resurrection, thinking He knew nothing about it.
Most of us want to be in control of our lives, of our family, our jobs, our health – everything, especially when our loved ones are suffering in some way. No one likes to be powerless and yet, that’s what we are! Let’s face it – God is God and we are not!