Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel..
Friday 3 March 2017
Selfcontrol ! During one of the holy masses a 4-5 years old child was playing up right to the end, I was looking at the mother who was patiently putting up with the child’s changing moods and the sound effects that were indicative of his tantrums ! I was smiling politely , but deep down I felt sorry for the child!
I felt sorry because even though his parents give him a lot ,but it seems not one of the most important skills in life , self-control, is not taught to their child !
Troubles , problems, disturbing circumstances were and will always be part of life around and within us that is why we have to teach our children how to behave when stressed ! Under optimal circumstances it is certainly easier to fulfill our duties but even in difficulties , worrying times and what is more in headwinds we have to keep moving on the road marked by us because otherwise we are going to become the evil spirit’s billiard balls , playthings!
Lets consider in our eating, speaking , the different everyday circumstances who is giving us orders who is moving our tongues, hands , feet who is directing our thoughts , decisions ? Is it my will by which I decide when, what and how much do I eat , and that I can only learn this after a deliberate fasting ! By the same token can I also “fast” with my tongue so that I do not speak or by that I do not use certain "ill-tempered "words ! At first it will be strange when you embark on this road but training your willpower , you will realize that it is good to be at home within your own body , and to be masters of all those skills that God presented us with !!
A good parent will explain to their child when we go to school, church or even go visiting we just observe , calmly watch the happenings !! Yes people will speak to us and we pay attention because this way we become smarter , cleverer , behaving nicely so we are not a burden , a nuisance for others , because what you expect from others is what you have to give to others as well! We explained this to several thousand children and I can see that the children understand this, and slowly growing up like this become useful members of society !
It is Lent , lets embark taking small steps on the road of self-discipline , lets learn how to behave , to be in charge so that we can also be happy in a happy society !!
With love ,
Father Csaba
translated by dr k.e.
Picture: a child behaving in the dental chair.
Then John's disciples came to him and said, 'Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?'
Jesus replied, 'Surely the bridegroom's attendants cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
Matthew 9, 14-15
Friday 3 March 2017