„…show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” (John 14:8)
These words often come to my mind when I reflect on the relationship with our children. They are linked with the thought expressed by Blessed John Paul II: “parental love is called to become for the children the visible sign of the very love of God”. I can “hear” those words expressed by our four kids, as in this short and simple sentence my desire to show them the Father meets their profound need of expreiencing love.
I’d like to show the Father’s love to the children – so that they can see it, hear it, feel it – through my own behaviour, words, the way I address them. I’d like to know how to channel some portion of His tenderness, His unusual patience, His joy arising from the fact that they merely are there. I’d like to give them the sense of His availability, unswearving love always offering new chances, His respect for human freedom… But also to fight for their true good. So to say “no”, set limits, have difficult conversations about mistakes.
I don’t think children remember the brand of clothes they were wearing, or how expensive their toys were. But I’m sure they remember the love they’ve been given.
Basia
* Familiaris consortio 14
“I am not asking you now to think of Him, or to form numerous conceptions of Him, or to make long and subtle meditations with your understanding. I am asking you only to look at Him. For who can prevent you from turning the eyes of your soul (just for a moment, if you can do no more) upon the Lord?” (St. Teresa of Jesus)
In the mood of serenity, I’m completing a puzzle with my daughter (500 pieces). Even though the emerging picture presents us with fauna and flora, I get the picture of a community (family, Church…).
Because each piece of the puzzle is different. What a rich diversity of shapes! And, at the same time, they’re all equal – none of them is more important than the others. Each has its own place, predefined and anticipated. And only when they’re all in place – the picture makes sense. When only one is missing – there’s an ugly hole.
I like this consciousness that I’m part of some entity. That Someone chose a special place and task for me, and gave me the environment of particular people – not anyone else, but them. Nothing happens by accident. Together we may create a wonderful picture.
And yet, at some point, the puzzle-related analogies become entirely useless. Becasue each of us alone (unlike a piece of the puzzle, which means nothing in isolation) also means so tremendously much! Each of us, even when we get lost somewhere, is of a priceless value, as we’ve been created “in the likeness” of God Himslef! (Genesis 1:27-5:1)
We are beautiful with your beauty, Lord!
Open our eyes to Your beauty within us!
Basia
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you. . . They rejoice in Thy name all day long” (Psalm 89:15-16)
Happy are those who can rejoice! So it’s not true that our sense of happiness depends only on external circumstances, it comes and goes unexpectedly. It’s more the question of the inner capacity – a skill that you can learn. For example from little children, who are experts in the field of joy, they never worry in advance and forget very quickly the reason for tears they shed. I have to admit that learning to enjoy things is my favourite area of self-mastery.
Sometimes you need to help yourself to see the bright side of life (go on a date with your husband, meet friends, take a walk, have some good coffee, read a good book, watch a film…). In one word: do something that makes you happy.
And that’s what I’d like to wish all the Readers for this Sunday. In plenty.
Basia
Listening patiently. Powerful and delicate. Beautiful and discreet. Tender and kind.
How good it is to have a Queen like this!
*May 3rd is in our country the Feast of Mary, Queen of Poland.
Basia
On April, 29 we celebrate three anniversaries – very important for The Family Support Foundation.
Firstly – it is the 67th Anniversary of the liberation of Dachau concentration camp, among the prisoners of which was Archbishop Kazimierz Majdański – the Originator and Founder of our foundation. The camp was liberated during the novena to St. Joseph held by Polish priests kept there – in which they asked for rescue. When they initiated the novena on April 22, 1945 – in the face of the planned final extermination – they promised to serve the idea od revival of families (among other things) as a form of thanksgiving for being saved from death.
Hence – the next anniversary: 37 years ago a scientific center for studies on family was set up – now it’s the Faculty for Studies on the Family Science at Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland. It is a way to serve families – as promised to St Joseph. The Faculty has been our partner in countless undertakings.
And finally – exactly 5 years ago Archbishop Kazimierz Majdański left for a better place (that time it was also The Good Shepherd Sunday, as it is today).
Is it a mere coincidence or the sign of God’s Providence?
Basia
A couple of years ago, during the reatreat for families on the Wolin Island, Poland, Fr. Jay used this metaphor of a river to talk about married life. He said, over a time, sludge deposits in the riverbed. And you have to be able to deal with this muddy staff.
Sledge is whatever hurts us in marriage – misunderstandings, unkind words, hurtful behavior, unfulfilled expectations, etc.
Fr. Jay encouraged us to keep “desludging” our relationship, so that the water might run deep and stay clear. We took to heart this piece of advice. Many of our conversations since then could be tagged “desludging.” I appreciate especially the times when we fight together for a “Better Me” as a wife, husband, mum, dad, friend, … When we talk quite openly about the things that have hurt us or were difficult to accept, and then we can think on the ways of how to express ourselves in a way which doesn’t cover us in sludge, but “lifts us up.”
It’s not pleasant to listen about your mistakes, but such conversations are really beneficial. First of all, I begin feeling grateful that I’m not alone in my struggle for a “Better Me.” That it is not only God, who’s trying to protect and develop as much good as possible in me, with His unswearving patience – but there’s also my Husband, “who cares so much for me.”.
“Desludging” is the method we have tested over the years – a way of being able today to shape our “better tomorrow.”
Basia
“The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is – trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive. Souls that trust boundlessly are a great comfort to Me, because I pour all the treasures of My graces into them. I rejoice that they ask for much, because it is My desire to give much, very much. On the other hand, I am sad when souls ask for little, when they narrow their hearts.”
(St. Faustina Kowalska Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMu-07s29Co?rel=0&w=420&h=315]
“Jesus, I trust in You”
“Do not be afraid!” (Matthew 28:10)
“Peace be with you.” (Luke 24:36)
So I don’t have to be afraid of anything anymore! I may live in the peace brought by the Risen Lord! He delivers me from all my fears!
I don’t have to worry myself Sick, because if the Lord has truly risen , sooner or later everything will be all right! *
If He has conquered the darkness, He’ll help me conquer mine.
If He has removed the sin away, He’ll help me get freedom from mine.
If He is alive, I’ll never be lonely.
If He destroyed death, I will not die either but I will live forever.
In those thoughts I find reasons for joy!
* “I can make all things well; I will make all things well . . . And you will see yourself that everything will be all right.” (Jesus to Julian of Norwich)
Basia
“I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” (Jeremiah 31:13)
The Lord is the one who comforts and turns sorrow into joy. He is the one who changes things. He changes my thinking, my feelings, my heart and my life. How good it is to experience that!
Basia
