Every so often a mother would call me to make arrangements regarding her daughter’s or son’s wedding. Father, she would say, my daughter would like to get married in the Catholic church. Can you please tell me what they have to do? What document to prepare? Or similarly with the sacrament of baptism when a grandmother calls to ask about the procedures regarding a baptism in our church. Don’t take me wrong, but this can make me laugh, and I always end up asking that person -- why doesn’t your daughter or son call me directly and talk to me; instead, you are asking on their behalf? I presume that someone who wants to get married or arrange a baptism for a child must be an adult person and should take responsibility of his or her life. I think Jesus also smiled at Zebedee’s mother who asked on behalf of her sons: Jesus, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom." It is important to ask the Lord for grace for others, to pray for them, but we also must pray for ourselves and pray for others. There are people who are away from the church. Yet often, when something challenging comes their way, they would ask a mother who frequently goes to church, or a grandmother who says the rosary daily: please pray for me, you have special connections with God, He will listen to you. It does not work that way; Jesus wants us to be brave, honest, and humble, and approach Him and ask Him directly.
Commentaires