Go In Peace!

A mother, son and daughter were having dinner at home. The father was away on a business trip. Little Johnny, age eleven, was allowed to sit in his father’s place. Johnny’s slightly older sister resented the arrangement. “So you’re the father tonight,” she taunted. “All right, how much is nine times fourteen.” Without a moment’s hesitation, Johnny replied, “Ask your mother.”

Not so humorous is the story of the little boy in religion class listening to the teacher talk about God as “Father.” Hearing this, the little boy frowned, then said quietly, “I hope he’s not like my father. He’s too busy.”

When God decided to come to us and to focus His love for us in a tiny Baby, He did it in a family setting. He penetrated our human situation in the family context. We’re living in a time of deep pessimism and rampant cynicism about marriage and the family.

Consequently, it is very important for us, as a Christian community, to…