 http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022320.cfm
Our three-year-old granddaughter, Merete, loves to “love on” her six-month-old baby sister, Genevieve—all the while sneaking in a pinch or two. In spite of these "affectionate" squeezes, Genevieve feels love and will grow in love, top to bottom, from all the loving she receives from her family. It’s beautiful to witness people loving one another. As Jesus says, we must love ourselves, our neighbors, and even our enemies. Sounds like Jesus demands a lot of “lovin’ on” others for the kingdom of God.  The first time my friend visited my parents’ home, she was shocked to spy candy dishes filled with gumdrops, Swedish fish, chocolates. My father was my friend’s dentist, and she recalled from childhood enduring annual reprimands for eating too much candy. My dad was speaking professionally and wisely helping his patients to avoid fillings or crowns. But at home, it was a different story as my mom had a wicked sweet tooth. People loved stopping by for a sweet roll or a piece of candy. As mom often remarked, “Everyone needs a little sugar every day!” So, when speaking to His disciples about attracting others to Christianity, why did Jesus use salt? Not sugar?
 Over one of a thousand cups of coffee, my dear friend and I were discussing the culture. Becky, navigating her daughter’s teen years, lamented, “Mare, it just can’t get any worse. Certainly, things will change.” Thirty-five years later, Becky and I continue to shake our heads as our culture marches deeper and deeper into the cold winter of darkness.
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ReflectionsThe blog on this page presents reflections on the Sunday readings through the lens of a parent/grandparent, aiding leaders of the domestic church in their vital task as “first heralds” or “first preachers” of the Good News in the home. Archives
December 2021
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