| | Dan and Susan were beleaguered. Exasperated. Their seven-year old son Steven was a great kid, but too often lacking self-control. Sometimes out of control. In spite of a home filled with prayer, love and encouragement. In spite of both parents being on the same page in managing a good schedule and expectations. In spite of practicing calm, learning to ask questions and naming feelings. Before taking the big step in considering meds, they wanted to do one final thing.
With one ear towards God, Fr. Bonaventure listened attentively, and simply asked: “Do you bless him?” After a moment of bewilderment, he continued: “What if in spite of your pantry being full, in spite of consulting nutritionists, in spite of setting the table with even the best food, he remained starving, what difference would all that make if he didn’t actually eat?”
Admitting that he didn’t know if Steven would benefit from meds or not, Father explained that we would be misguided to look for material answers to spiritual problems. That at the very core of our earthly existence we have an Enemy who is insanely jealous of us. While he has no power, he has been granted influence. In the mystery of things, God allows it. To form us for greater virtue. He explained that God particularly confers upon parents His authority to renounce the influences, whispers and lies of the Enemy. And above all, to impart heavenly blessings.
Father Bonaventure prayed with them and left them with this instruction: God has conferred upon you great power. Your appointing and anointing as parents in Jesus Christ. Exercise it by way of a parental blessing each and every day over each of your children. A daily parental blessing is like Moses’ raising his staff up while they were in battle. Raise it, and you will find victory. Lower it, and you will be defeated. God has put the staff of parental blessing in your hands. It’s up to you to use it.
Needless to say, like many other parents, once Dan and Susan began actively engaging in battle by way of the daily parent blessing, it has made all the difference. Of course, along with striving to live what it suggests: flowing from the sacraments, making our home cultures places of ever-deepening encounter with Jesus Christ. We want to get this prayer in the hands of every parent. You can help us.
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| THE PARENT BLESSING PROJECT
We want to send you 100 awesome parent prayer blessing cards for your parish or organization. GO: PRAYER CARD
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April 18-25, 2022
Lenten Blessings in Jesus Christ,
Here are opportunities to build the Kingdom. Receive life-giving, renewing, transforming grace being outpoured and overflow!
Our world is pining for good news. God's supply is you. Last year we shared 54 moving stories that touched thousands! We are hoping to publish of these by the end of this year. It's your turn: In 750 words or less, share your "God With Us" story. Contact below.
NEW! Kingdom Business Builder personal profile. Kingdom Builders are dynamic Catholic leaders committed to professional excellence and building the Kingdom. Find out more at MassImpact.us/KINGDOM. See poster below.
NEW! Belief & Beverage Nights are the third Thursday every month at GMC of Perrysburg (Cronin Auto Family). We're very excited to be featuring dynamic clergy this season, with the theme: "Know the King, Build the Kingdom." Register at MassImpact.us/BNB. See poster below.
NEW! Parish Parent Prayer Project. We want to send you 100 awesome prayer blessing cards for your parish. GO
NEW! Live IT Gathering Guide and LIT TV episode featuring the Allion Family! Check it out at ILoveMyFamily.us.
FINALLY, we are families united in discovering, proclaiming, living and building the Kingdom. This movement is fueled by your prayers, engagement and financial partnership. Find out more at MassImpact.us/PARTNER.
So blessed to be united in building the Kingdom, |
| Greg and Stephanie Schlueter
Image Trinity | Mass Impact
Email: Greg@MassImpact.us
Call: (814) 449-8808
WEB: ILoveMyFamily.us |
| | | | | | | | | | | Family Live IT (LIT) Gatherings are strengthening marriages and families throughout the country. The road awaits. Join us. |
| THIS WEEK'S LIVE IT TV EPISODE
"EASTER WEEK: DOUBT OR BELIEF?'"
The Allion Family
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"The future of humanity passes by way of the family."
~ Pope St. John Paul II
We are families seeking to make our homes places of ever-deepening encounter with Jesus Christ.
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