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We parents can't be accused of not fostering a missionary spirit in our children. ("Missionary," coming from the Latin "mitto," "mittere," "misi," "missus," meaning "to send.") As our kids grow up, one of the most frequent commands they hear from us is "Go!"
"Go get ready for bed."
"Go help your sister."
"Go set the table."
"Go say you're sorry."
"Go do your homework."
"Go outside and play."
"Go to your room! Now! Go!"
"You want more money? Go get a job this summer."
Seeing the big picture, we moms and dads know that our little dears are "here," but now it's time for them to move "there." And while they're "there," they should brush their teeth and put on their pajamas. Or assist a sibling. Or get the dishes and silverware out.
Why are parents so fond of "Go!"? It's part of our job. Our duty. Our responsibility. We know from experience that after our children have heard it for many years they're more likely to say it to themselves as they get older. Maturity lets a person spot "here" and "there" and recognize there are some things he or she should be doing "there."
In high school it might mean going over and talking to the new kid who seems to be floundering or the classmate who has a hard time making friends. In college it could be getting up and going to class even if that class begins at (yawn) 9 a.m.
On the job, in a marriage, as a parent, at the parish and, of course, at the end of Mass: "Go. Love. Serve."
As Catholics, each of us is a "multiple missionary." Called. Sent - as a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a friend, a classmate, a neighbor, a workmate, an employer, a spouse or single person, a priest or religious, a parent, a grandparent, a retiree, a healthy person or one with health problems, and on and on and on.
And in every setting that we find ourselves or move ourselves into over the years, it's our heavenly Father who sees the infinite picture and tells us to go. To love. And to serve.
CNS columnists Monica and Bill Dodds live in Seattle, Wash. They are the authors of the book, The Joy of Marriage.
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