In the Level I (3-6 year old) Atrium we speak often about the many gifts that God has given to us. We “open and enjoy” them, lifting them up and marveling at God’s goodness. His plan for fullness of life was foretold by the prophets, witnessed to by angels and shepherds, Jews and Gentiles, learned men and even an unborn baby. As Jesus grew, He spoke about the Kingdom of God, revealing that it is like a Mustard Seed, a Precious Pearl, a Hidden Treasure and Leaven. He knows us by name and lays down His life only to take it up again and share with each of us a life stronger than death, a light stronger than darkness. What great love!
The Good Shepherd.
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The City of Jerusalem.
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The Gestures Altar.
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The Level II (6-9 year old) children, while still encountering and recognizing His many gifts, also begin to ask how they might respond to the one who has filled the earth so that it resembles a banquet table lavishly heaped with all that we need. His great love demands a response in kind! As we ponder the Parable of the True Vine we realize that we don’t want to just bear fruit; we want to bear the most beautiful fruit that will bring the greatest glory to God!
The Gifts of God.
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The Preparation of the Chalice.
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Writing the prayers of the Mass.
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The Level III (9-12 year old) children were recently pondering the four Cardinal Virtues of Justice, Fortitude, Prudence, and Temperance. In our conversation on Fortitude they began speaking about the many saints who had been martyred for their faith: Blessed Miguel Pro, St. Joan of Arc, St. Sebastian, St. Lawrence, and others. One child said that St. Mother Teresa had also lived with fortitude because she was willing to die when she worked with those who had sicknesses that could kill her. This led to a dialogue about living with fortitude and, eventually, to a discussion about white martyrdom or pouring oneself out in the way one lives daily life. What other option is there? How else can we live if we follow the one who has given all for us in laying down His life for His sheep?
The Complete Missal.
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The Virtues.
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The Maxims.
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During every Mass we remember and experience again this essential interaction between God and man of gift and response. God gives all to us through sending the Holy Spirit in the Epiclesis who transforms our gifts of bread and wine (representative of the little work we do in elevating His gifts of wheat and grapes) into the very Body and Blood of Jesus. Having received such an incomprehensible gift, how can we respond? The only “gift” we can give in response is the gift we have just received…Jesus, Himself. When the priest lifts up Jesus and offers Him back to God in the Doxology we, too, offer our thoughts, words, and actions, all of the ways we have imitated the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, pouring ourselves out for the one who has given all for us.
This year I have witnessed on a regular basis several individuals pouring themselves out for the children, families, and staff of our school. Thank you to those who have truly given all that they have. Your gift of self is seen and it is so appreciated. The beautiful, amazing fruit on your branch of the True Vine is bringing great, great glory to Our Heavenly Father, the Vinegrower. Thank you for opening and enjoying His gifts and for your whole-hearted “yes,” like Mary, in response. May God reward you as only He can!
