When our family goes to Mass, I often close my eyes and thank God for leading us there all together. I don't realize we're a large group until I see other parishioners sizing us up and smiling at us. My 2 older sons K. & J. tower over me, N. is my little guy at my shoulder height, and then there's the wee girl, B., bouncing from one family member to the next. I can see the question on their faces~ are all 4 of those kids from this marriage or a previous one, and is that really their mom? My husband has always looked quite a bit older than me even tho we're really just 3 years apart; His hair is now practically all gray.
Today at Mass B. whispered in my ear "Mommy, I like church." That sure warmed my heart. She quietly & contentedly reads her little books, draws on paper with a pencil, eats her gummies or pineapple bits, and she finally learned to whisper when she speaks.
Noah is finally able to recite the words aloud himself "May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his church " and "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed"~ Both of these prayers took a lot of practice and he's so proud when he gets them right, so I pat him on the back and smile. He's excited to be making his 1st Holy Communion in just 2 months & he asks me questions about it nearly every day. 'Can I really get communion like you guys every Sunday?" and I tell him "Yes, you can receive it every day, if you want."
I don't know how much longer my oldest will be attending Mass with us. He is growing up and won't be living home with us forever (hopefully!). And my 16 year old,...well, he's got the attitude to match his age, so I believe he needs those Masses now more than ever.
This lent, it seems I'm finding a much deeper appreciation for Sundays with my whole family.
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