Small Christian Communities and the Kingdom Of Heaven at Home

In our parish, there seems to be a resurgence of lay people taking a more active roll in the church today. Many of these folks are working in Small Christian Communities (SCC) within the larger parish community. I firmly believe SCC's are the way of the future for the Catholic Church. One of the more successful small christian communities in our parish is the Wednesday night scripture study.

Four years ago it started it out as a group of 9 people interested in learning about the bible and scripture. Since then, it has blossomed into a group of about 35 people. We started out using sources like Little Rock Scripture Study and have branched out into using a variety of sources. It has become a very successful Small Christian Community. What is wonderful about this group is that it has become an extended family for all the members. We are able to share our experiences, both life and spiritual, openly and honestly.

In a way it is helping the Kingdom of Heaven to "break into" our world.  Every Wednesday, a little bubble of the "Kingdom of Heaven" breaks into the world, trying to make the world a better place through it's members learning more about scripture, the Word, his Father, and each other.

In a way, the home and the environment parents make should be like the Kingdom of Heaven for our children.  A place of peace, happiness, and unending love.

Surely this is something that is tough to strive for in our daily lives.

Blessings

Tim

Strawberries

Ever see the T-shirt that says "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" ?

It's actually a quote from Benjamin Franklin.

For me strawberries are proof that:

1. God loves us and wants us to be happy. Of course this takes second place to Him sending his only Son.
   
2. Proof that heaven exists.

What am I doing to show that I love my children and want them to be happy? Am I creating a stable loving home? Am I caring for them? Am I showing their mother the love and respect that she deserves? Hopefully I'm not showing them my love by spoiling them. Am I giving them opportunities to live their life to the fullest? Am I teaching them to be empathetic?

Am I being a light to them that reflects the True Light?

Blessing to you

Tim