Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
1. In the Scriptures from 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Paul speaks of the “word of truth.” How would you describe the “word of truth” to your children?
2. In what ways are the words you use in your family a witness to the reality of Jesus’ love for them? In what ways are they not? What are some steps you can take so that your words are a better witness for Jesus to your family?
3. In the article we hear these words, “Parents model God’s love by expressing their love for each other.” Do your children see you frequently expressing your love for your wife? What are some ways you can improve on this?
4. The words of this article apply in a different way, depending on whether or not your children are younger or older? What are some of the differences?
5. How well does your home life stack up against the various characteristics of a transformed family that are described in the paragraph beginning with “What does a loving, spiritual home look like?” What are some actions you can take to improve in these areas?
6. If you are in a men’s group, end your meeting by praying for one another and your families using the prayer at end of the article.
[Editor's Note: This is the fifth of a series of articles on the theme, “Being Transformed as Catholic Men.” Click here to read the first article, second article, third article, and <a href="
https://ci5op1l47p-staging.wpdns.site/vm/index.asp?vm_id=98&art_id=34064″ target=_blank>fourth article.]
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him.
If we disown him, he will also disown us;
if we are faithless, he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly (2 Timothy 2:8-15).
In the previous Catholic Man channel articles, we have focused on how we as Catholic men can be transformed into the image and likeness of Christ. As we begin to live this transformed life, we will also see our words and actions transforming our families as well.
Let’s begin with the impact of our words. Have you ever thought about how powerfully words can shape our lives? We use them to communicate with each other. They help us organize and categorize the thoughts that swirl in our brains. We even talk about “giving our word,” expecting it to be taken as an unbreakable oath. For these reasons and more, Paul tells us that we should avoid wrangling over words and instead commit ourselves to explaining “the word of truth.”
What wonderful insight these directives can give us for family life! After all, the home is meant to be the first school of evangelization, the first place of encounter with Jesus, who is the living Word. It’s meant to be the place where parents teach the word of truth, tell the story of salvation, and talk about the love of a Father who will never abandon them. It’s meant to be the place where disputes take a backseat to love, where the bitter root of resentment is overcome quickly by words of repentance, forgiveness, and affirmation. Even if our children are older or no longer live with us, our homes are still a place where they encounter Jesus’ love and forgiveness. If we are continually being transformed into the image and likeness of Christ, then Jesus’ words, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34) will be lived out in our homes.
What does a loving, spiritual home look like? Children are affirmed for a job well done. They are encouraged to develop their talents and gifts in ways that bring them fulfillment and give honor to God. Parents model God’s love by expressing their love for each other. Children are told and shown frequently that they are loved by smiles, embraces, generous acts of service, and words of support and understanding. Parents draw their children closer to God by praying with them, telling them Bible stories, and encouraging them to seek God for themselves.
This can seem like an overwhelming task, but it’s good to remember that all of these ideals toward which we are striving do not come from just our own strength, but come from the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. No family is perfect, and no one can give the perfect formula for your family. The real question is whether you are taking steps to establish a home in which Jesus is welcomed, honored, and loved. So ask yourself today, “Do I wrangle over unimportant words? Am I a source of love and affirmation?” And more specifically, “What one thing can I do today to set a greater tone of spiritual openness at home?”
“Heavenly Father, pour out your grace on our families today. Help my family to be a ‘domestic church’ as we model Jesus’ relationship with you. May our families be transformed as we all draw closer to your heart of love and to one another.”
Many thanks to The Word Among Us for allowing us to adapt material from daily meditations in their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission.
(Maurice Blumberg is Executive Director of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men. This article is part of NFCM's sponsorship of the Catholic Man channel. Contact NFCM at P.O. Box 86381, Gaithersburg, MD 20886 or e-mail them at info@nfcmusa.org. If you would like to make a contribution to the NFCM, just click here.)
Reflection Questions on Page 2
