“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” (Gospel for Aug. 23, Mt 16:18)
That’s quite a promise! Christ established Peter as the head of his Church on earth, with his teaching authority and the guarantee that hell itself would not defeat it. How we practice our faith in word and deed influences the moral and spiritual formation of others — our family, friends, fellow parishioners and neighbors. With the help of God’s grace, fathers have a sacred role to protect their families from the devil’s assaults. May we all take seriously this responsibility to be a “rock” of the Catholic faith in our domestic churches, parishes and communities.
Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, I challenge you to join with others — family, friends, brother Knights — in praying the rosary for the intention of remaining steadfast in the faith. Second, I challenge you to encourage members of your parish to stand firm in the faith by starting or promoting the Faith in Action Building the Domestic Church Kiosk program at your church.
Questions for Reflection:
Do you regularly lead your family in prayer by saying grace before meals, reciting the rosary, reading Scripture or practicing other devotions? Do you openly discuss the Catholic faith so that your children know and understand the faith and its truth, goodness and beauty? Do you pray for your wife and children that God may protect them from the attacks of the devil?