However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live,
but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.”
The Book of the Deuteronomy has been called “the Gospel according to Moses.” It is that important to the Jewish religion, and therefore to our Christian religion. And it is good news as it describes the intense relationship – a covenant – between God and his Chosen People. Moses described a mutually satisfying and happy relationship of the people with their God so long as they observe his graceful commandments. Among their many blessings they should celebrate three annual feast days with joyful song, dance, and food.
In the Book, Moses frequently and repeatedly reminds the people that they must instruct their children in the covenant. The people must remember forever – from generation to generation – the mercy God showed to their ancestors, and the mercy God continues to show to their descendants so long as they keep the covenant. They must never grow complacent. Severe penalties will fall upon the Chosen should they forget their God. And those that Deuteronomy describe will make your hair stand up.
I met a fellow who told me that he and his Catholic wife had decided they would let their children decide about their choice of religion. I could not refrain from asking, “What did they decide?” Of the four, one was going to a non-denominational Christian church. The others preferred their parents’ infidelity. I left it at that. A chaplain might report child abuse when its flagrant, but the state does not care about that type of neglect.
On a happier note, I remember, “The family that prays together stays together.” Somewhere in the late 1950’s, a visiting priest encouraged members of our church to tithe and pray as a family. My parents took the word to heart. Although they had five children by that time, on one salary, they set aside ten percent for the church. And we began to pray the rosary every evening before bed.
It was a hard slog at times as we children had to be peeled away from the television. And the kneeling was a challenge as we slumped over the dining room chairs. But the family has stayed supportive and together during this epidemic; and we still delight in each other’s company. My parents also gave one of their ten children --a "tithe" -- to the Church when I became a Franciscan priest.
In today’s gospel Jesus assures us the Word of God will remain in the Church and in the world forever:
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
The Word will remain as a warning to the faithless and reassurance for the faithful. Let us pray that our children are found among the latter until the end of time.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.