In the first reading we hear that “Whoever honors his father atones for sins and preserves himself from them.” And “kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins.” Did you realize that in addition to prayer, fasting and almsgiving that honoring your parents atones for sins as well? How do we honor our parents? The second reading reminds us to put on “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.” Sometimes the hardest ones to deal with are members of our personal family and our Christian family. How do we respond to those around us most often?
The Gospel relates one of the more traumatic experiences a family can have, a missing child. How do we respond to those whose family are going through difficult periods?
Countenance of God 