April 18. The parents continued their discussion.  “That story of Philip and him sharing the story of Jesus in such a way that the Ethiopian was convinced enough to ask for baptism is really powerful.  Do we have such preachers that can hold our and the kids’ attention?”  “It can be a problem that the style in other churches is often more dynamic.” “In the Catholic Church there are programmes, some for youth, Theology of the Body or Alpha, or Charismatic or Encounter movements that do grab people with new insight of spirituality.” “Sodalities or groups seem to be a binding factor too.” “But it has been said that youth are forced into confirmation, which is even seen as a church-leaving event and that somehow the confirmation catechesis is not like RCIA, where people freely choose to come for baptism or being received into the Church.  Could more be done by families sharing their faith life at home?” 

Reflect, share, pray. Scripture:   An Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister to the queen had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning in his chariot while reading the prophet Isaiah, “Like a sheep, led to the slaughter, or a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” The Spirit told Philip to join him and Philip explained the passage and told him the good news of Jesus. As they came to some water the eunuch asked to be baptized. After that the Spirit took Philip away and, passing on, he preached the gospel to all the towns. Acts 8:26-40.  Pope Francis:  The Lord’s presence dwells in real and concrete families with all their daily troubles and struggles, joys and hopes. The spirituality of family love is made up of 100s of small but real gesture. In that variety of gifts and encounters which deepen communion God has its dwelling place.  If a family is centred on Christ, he will unify and illumine its entire life.  Moments of pain and difficulty will be experienced in union with the Lord’ cross and his closeness will make it possible to surmount them   AL 315-7. .  ACTION. Share and pray, do I make enough efforts to renew and enrich our family faith experience?