Each family finds within itself a summons that cannot be ignored, and that specifies both its dignity and its responsibility: family, become what you are. . .
Thus, with love as its point of departure and making constant reference to it, the recent Synod emphasized four general tasks for the family:
1) forming a community of persons;
2) serving life;
3) participating in the development of society;
4) sharing in the life and mission of the Church.
Familiaris Consortio, Part 3
Emboldened by this summons and the deep love Pope St. John Paull II has for families, we created 10 Minutes With Jesus to become what we are and help others do the same. In our family, lectionary-based catechesis has helped us accomplish all of these tasks.
1. When we come together every day to have fun with Jesus, our bonds to each other grow as well. Most of the bickering from the day dissipates. We’re softened toward each other, open to influence, and enriched by the perspective of our family members. Obviously, not every night is peaceful, but the commitment to gather daily to focus on God together has a community-building effect.
2. Life is often hard, confusing, and unpleasant. Our kids face new challenges every day and need our guidance. We serve life by providing food and shelter, but we also serve life by providing comfort, insight, support, and education. To facilitate someone’s relationship with Jesus is to serve life in its most urgent need to know and love our Savior.
3. That same guidance we give our children in prayer follows them to school, to dance class, to sports. The Kingdom of God is spread by close, loving contact with those around us. This small, person-to-person exchange is the leaven that makes up society and culture. Our 10 minutes a day can ensure that the leaven we contribute to the world is good and holy.
4. Finally, by staying close to the Mass even when we have to be physically separate, we are able to participate in the life and mission of the Church. We hear and pray with the same readings as our brothers and sisters in Christ across the globe.
In order to “become what we are,” we need to stay grafted to the True Vine, and we need the support of other families. We are here to help you in this crucial task.