Mark 3:20-35
"For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:35)
Caught between the festivities of Mothers' and Fathers' Days along with the Church's call to Eucharistic Revival, my memory led me to this real event. It was the First Holy Communion Mass of my older niece. Her Mom, Dad, and toddler sister were present. As godmother and invited guest of the First Communicant, my "job" was to keep the younger sister on her best behavior. (At a Cathedral Mass one time when she only spoke her special language, she was making commentary as the sermon was being preached. Seemingly, the priest who was teaching about the importance of Life in all its aspects, was unfazed even as many smiles were clearly visible.)
So, on my lap she happily sat and "jiggled" my rosary as she regularly checked on my facial expressions. Time came for the community reception of Holy Communion. Needless to say, I was so filled with so much joy to be present with my family for this special occasion, recalling also my own First Holy Communion Day. As I knelt in thanksgiving, tears of joy filled my heart and eyes. At that point, my little "charge" tugged at my arm and asked: "An' Fwances, why you cwying?"
I tried to explain to her that "An' Fwances" was so happy to receive Holy Communion and to be present at this time with our family being together. I tried to explain, too, that people don't just "cwy" when they are sad; they sometimes do so when they are happy, and I was so, so happy being with her and her/our family. I think that she really did understand me.
Sister Frances Smalkowski, CSFN
