. . . nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.

Intriguing question: What do we teach our children? Do we let Disney control the narrative, or anoint superheroes their guides? Almost by default, the culture forces us into patterns we might not consciously choose.
But Moses’ advice sets another direction, which I remembered as my granddaughters prepared to receive their First Eucharist. It may be a stretch from Moses to a group of eager eight- to ten-year-olds, but the celebration displayed what we cherish.
The day before, the children learned what to expect: how to handle a chalice reverently, the importance of avoiding grimaces at their first sip of wine. Each decorated a candle, lit it from the Paschal candle, and held it as their parents told us how they saw the light of Christ in them. Parents eloquently praised their children’s sense of justice or joy, their care for younger siblings or pets, their budding skills and humor. People who more often yelled at their kids to “hurry up!” or “go to sleep!” spoke balm and affirmation: “Seeing the light of Christ in you gives me joy every day.”
Next day, the children processed, bowed, ate the bread, and drank from the cup like pros. We entrust our finest traditions to our smallest, and they rise to the occasion. Jesus nurtures us with himself in bread and wine; all meals are holy. Ordinary things are saturated with the divine. What other teachings do we treasure and pass on?

Kathy Coffey

Kathy Coffey is a mother of four, a speaker and retreat leader. An award-winning writer, she is author of When the Saints Came Marching In and the recently released A Generous Lap: A Spirituality of Grandparenting. For more information, see her website: kathyjcoffey.com.