September 22, 2009
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I’m irritable today
like in really irritable today. As in PMS irritable even though I do not suffer from PMS. I am “I need a pep talk” irritable today. Today is the first day of second grade religion for the year. I have a class of eager? little ones to teach this afternoon. It’s not the kids that irritate me, it’s the parents.
If you are a Catholic as I am and your really believe in the Real Presence, I mean REALLY believe in the Real Presence, then you don’t treat the Eucharist as if it is a right but as if it is a privilege. A privilege that any human is barely, if at all, worthy to receive. So it irritates me when the parents of these kids act as if First Holy Communion is the next logical step in their kids lives rather than something momentous that should be prepared for with great care. Something that should be approached with awe and wonder taking great care that the child understands what they are doing, to the best of their ability, before they undertake to receive Our Lord.
Instead they behave as if it is all about the pictures, the dress, the cake and the party after it is all over. Last year one of my student’s parent had to be chased down until the child finally made her first Penance the night before First Holy Communion.
Before I am asked why I do this, it’s because I love kids and I love teaching. If I can touch one of them than I have done my job and done it well. This is just my usual beginning of the year angst. Believe me I am no candidate for parent of the year but I come into contact with so many mediocre to down right crummy parents that it sometimes gets my Irish up and I tend to anticipate trouble before it actually happens.
Prayers for my kids that the Holy Spirit touches their hearts and fills their innocent minds and for their parents that their be enlightened to the awsome responsibility that they have undertaken. Prayers also that I am patient with both the children and, most importantly, with the adults.
Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God.
Comments (6)
It’s a terrible shame to treat the Eucharist in a cavalier manner. I understand your irritation. Sending you a big hug!
I am not Catholic, but I do understand your feelings about many parents. It’s like nothing is sacred, and it’s all about the clothes and the food, and the people and the here and now. There is no reverence for God Himself. May He bless and help you as you teach these children.
@TheLoquaciousLady - I knew that you would sympathize on more than one level. Thanks for the hug. I do love the kids and teaching it is just that I really have trouble letting Our Lord take care of the insults himself. As my son would say, “He’s a big guy and he can handle it.”
Offering prayers for you and for the parents. Your students are blessed to have you as a teacher.
Praying for your serenity and for the parents you interact with to also grow in reverence for our Lord.
But unless the little ones have someone who knows to lead them, they will grow to be just like their parents…Thanks for taking the time to teach them what is real