By Madeline Larson
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” ~Matthew 18:20
Whenever I encountered Matthew 18:20, my mind would go to the power of evangelization and friendship. It would make me grateful for my parish and for the great community that I am a part of where Jesus is truly present in the people around me. But now as a mother, this verse has taken on a different meaning.
Seeing Christ around us
We are called to see Christ in everyone around us. This can be an incredible challenge in itself, depending on who we have around us. Differing personalities, temperaments, life views, vocations and more can make seeing Jesus in everyone around us difficult. It is often our family that we have the hardest time treating with the kindness, gentleness, and charity that Christ demands of us.
As a mother, I have been recently quite convicted that my children are who I should see Christ present in first. These wonderful, unique human beings were entrusted to my husband and I from God to raise, love, guide, and experience the world with. They come into the world completely helpless. This help continues throughout their life as we continue to shape them. It is our duty to shape them into Christ, knowing that Christ is already within them and God is the one who breathed their existence into being.
Christ is present in my children
I love this painting of “The Evening Prayer” by Pierre Édouard Frère for how it reminds me that when my children are gathered together, Christ is present in a special and powerful way. Their childlikeness draws Christ into potent presence, whether they be crying, laughing, angry, or content. Their awe and wonder at the world helps us to see how Christ dwells within them and that He is always present in our family life.
Prayer:
Lord, please open our eyes to see how You are present in those around us, especially our family. Encounter us in the everyday moments of our life, turning the mundane into wonder of Your creation.
Call to Action:
Take some time today to reflect upon your relationship with your family. In what ways can you encounter and be present to the wonder of Christ in those around you?
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