MY siblings, nieces, nephews and I are all excited to gather together this weekend in Danville, California—not for Pacquio vs Mayweather boxing fight, but for something much more special and sacred for the family. We’re celebrating the First Communion of my little nephew, Gavin!
It’s a special day for Gavin, his parents, sisters and the whole extended family. We’re filled with joy about a dear family member who has grown in his love for God and his Catholic faith.
We remember Gavin as little boy who would dance the steps of Michael Jackson, get inquisitive about the rituals of the Mass at family gatherings, and fight over computer games with his older cousin. Now, Gavin, who is about to finish 2nd Grade, will reverently approach the altar to receive the Sacred Body and Blood of Jesus.
It will be another beginning and a continuous journey in Gavin’s Catholic faith-life. At St. Raymond’s Catholic Church and School in Danville, he will keep growing in knowledge of Jesus; he will continue to learn our Christian virtues and values; and he will continue to grow in his love and service for God, his family, friends and other people.
Absolutely, our family’s exercise of the Catholic faith has influenced Gavin, not only because we’re churchgoers or because there is a priest in the family, but because we believe that we’ve shown and expressed to Gavin our Christian values of love, kindness, understanding, forgiveness, service, and unity, especially in family.
Gavin will continue to abide in God through the guidance and examples of his parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and church community. He will forever be united to God as long as he has their love, care, trust, and support,
In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus says that he is the “vine” and we are the “branches.” Jesus asks us to abide in in his love by keeping his commandments.
Indeed, as long as our families and children are connected to Jesus in Word and Sacrament, as long as we keep his commandments, we will never spiritually dry up. We would become flourishing and fruitful vineyards, commissioned to glorify the Father.
And, as long as our children see genuine goodness in families, they will never be cut off from God’s grace; they will always be connected to God and to their family. Conversely, Jesus will always abide in them. Amen!
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From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
