FR. DEMETRI'S MESSAGE
Dear Parish Family Members,
Those who have young ones in the home (from pre school to college age) know that everyone has finally settled down and gotten back into the routine of picking out clothes to wear, making lunches and snacks, emptying the backpack and of course…doing homework!
While either we are going through this process again this year or if you are reading this and reflecting on your loved ones
(when they went to school) or if you are just remembering your days growing up… I wanted to share this reflection that I recently found in a book by a great Priest of our Holy Archdiocese! Here are his words:
“St. Paul tells us that one of the characteristics of love is that it is kind (1 Cor. 13:4). If love is kind, its kindness should shine forth in all its tender beauty especially at home. For this is the place where we live with the people who are nearest and dearest to us.
Yet, the opposite is often what happens. We treat our visitors and guests at home with the greatest kindness. If one of them spills coffee on the carpet, it is promptly excused: “Don’t worry!” It can happen to anyone! It’s just an old rug anyway. And besides, coffee doesn't stain.”
But if one of our children does the same they are usually given a tongue lashing: “you clumsy idiot! Can’t you ever do anything right? Don't you have any sense at all? Can’t you ever pick up anything without dropping it?”
Examine for a moment how dad treats his customers at work. No matter what they do or say, they are always right. He tries never to lose his temper with them for fear of losing a sale. He uses a very soft, pleasant tone of voice when speaking to them. He is always kind and ingratiating.
But watch out when he comes home! You wouldn't believe he is the same person. The whole attitude changes: the tone of voice becomes harsh; the temper flares; the words are caustic. He becomes like a roaring lion.
If we would only treat our children with the same kindness and consideration with which we treat our guests and customers, how different our homes would be! How happy! How pleasant! How fully of happy memories!
Do we not speak of our children as little gifts from God? Do we not speak of them as brief visitors from heaven in our household? Why not treat them as such?
Children are a
reflection of their parents if they love them and a
reaction to them if they hate them. Treating our children unkindly builds up hatred that eventually leads to rebellion. Treating them kindly, on the other hand, exemplifies the love of God so that when they pray “Our Father, Who are in heaven…” the image of God as Father will be for them a pleasing and attractive one.
Remember, “love is kind” especially at home, to those nearest and dearest to us!”
Taken from
“Making God Real in the Orthodox Christian Home” by Fr Anthony M. Coniaris pgs 214-215
God bless,