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| When Did We See You A Strange And Welcome You? |
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When did we see you hungry and give you food? The parable of the sheep and goats in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25 has much to say about family spirituality. Michael Quinn of Family Caring Trust illustrates how parents are responding to Jesus' invitation of a daily basis. He shows that families truly are spiritual in the most ordinary of ways. I was a stranger and you welcomed me… A little naked stranger, and you welcomed me into your home. In spite of the enormous upset I caused to your life and household, you were delighted to share your home with me, and you made me so welcome. Thank you. I was naked and you clothed me... Yes. Born completely naked into this world and you wrapped me in little sheets and blankets, and then babygros, and then more clothes, ironed and folded those clothes hundreds and hundreds of times. And you've never stopped clothing me, although sometimes you've had to do without things you'd have liked for yourself. Thank you. I was hungry and thirsty… And you gave me food, and you gave me to drink – Mum, you even wanted to give me the warm milk from your own breasts – and you got quite handy with the bottle, Dad. Again and again and again you fed me, and every time you gave me food you were giving it to me, Jesus. And I appreciated the sacrifices you had to make to feed me, and the boredom of constantly cleaning up the mess I made, and washing and drying and endless pile of dishes after I had eaten, and I am deeply grateful to you. Thank you. I was sick... With teething and wind, with 'flu's and temperatures and measles and chicken pox and constant colds. And you comforted me, and you lost your sleep, and you were anxious and worried and suffered along with me and stayed off work and cared for me, and I experienced you at your loving best, tender and caring and full of compassion for me, and I knew then how unconditional your love was when I was at my most helpless, and I thought to myself. Who else would love like this, so selflessly, with such self-sacrifice." I love you for that. Thank you. I was in prison… In the prison of my own immaturity, resisting limits, acting up, throwing tantrums. And you didn't just visit me – you came and stayed with me, imprisoning and tying yourself up – for years - for my sake, so you could lead me out into freedom and maturity and an enjoyment of the wonders of life. That freedom was perhaps the greatest gift of all you gave me. How can I say thank you for it? You have done so much for me. Over and over and over again, even when you were bored or exhausted, irritated or hurt, when you were ill or wanted to count the cost, you forgave me, and you didn't count the cost. You loved me, and I will not ever forget you for it. I want you to know that. I'm telling you now so you'll be more aware of the good you're doing – and so you'll know you're doing all this to me, Jesus. And I'm telling you so you'll know how much I appreciate and love you. Thank you… Michael Quinn Family Caring Trust |
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