We are living in an unprecedented time where our culture is diametrically opposed to the practice of our Christian faith. Young persons in particular are constantly being exposed to the suggestions and lures of the world and the snares of the enemy, which are contrary to our call to “repent and believe in the Gospel”. The constant misinformation our children are absorbing each day, which teaches them to accept and promote sinful behavior, needs a counter-message.
The answer to this is family prayer, which is the foundation of the Christian home. Our Catechism teaches us that “the Christian family is the first place of education in prayer. Based on the sacrament of marriage, the family is the ‘domestic church’ where God’s children learn to pray ‘as the Church’ and to persevere in prayer”. (CCC 2685) Parents have a great responsibility therefore to steer the focus of their family away from the world and onto Christ. By setting up a fixed time each day where the entire household comes together in prayer, a beautiful promise of our Lord is fulfilled – “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. (Mt 18:20) If your family honors God with family prayer time, the Lord will bless your family incomparably. The greatest jewel on the crown of family prayer is the family Rosary – involving Scriptural-based meditations of the mysteries. If nobody will join you at first, start alone –but have a set time and pray in a public part of the house and invite others to join you.
~ Clary Antao
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