Listeners get more done
Many of us are familiar with the motto of Home Depot, “How doers get more done.” It is meant to instill confidence for all those DIY projects families undertake to build their home together. Whether you are a “master builder” or you don’t know much about what you are doing, the motto is meant to foster confidence in your ability to build, restore or rebuild different things in your home.
Many of us are familiar with the motto of Home Depot, “How doers get more done.” It is meant to instill confidence for all those DIY projects families undertake to build their home together. Whether you are a “master builder” or you don’t know much about what you are doing, the motto is meant to foster confidence in your ability to build, restore or rebuild different things in your home.
During this year commemorating the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, I am reflecting on some aspects of his life that can illuminate the mission of the family, the domestic church. One of the famous stories of his life was the building project that Jesus gave to him.
“Francis, rebuild my church, for it is falling into ruin.”
Hearing these words from the crucifix in the church of San Damiano, Francis began to collect the stones and rebuild the little church himself. He would beg for stones and get to work on the much-needed repairs. His work inspired others to pitch in. Eventually, it became clear that God’s mission for him was to rebuild the Church as a whole, not only this particular church. Pope Innocent III would have a dream about a man holding up the pillars of St. John Lateran Basilica, which is the pope’s cathedral, preventing it from falling into ruins. The man in his dream was Francis.
Perhaps the Lord says from the cross to the Church today, “Rebuild my domestic church, for it is falling into ruin.” Yes, the Lord wishes to build the family by building the Church and to build the Church by building the family. Stone by stone, the church is built up when families live out their baptismal call to holiness and mission.
Do you want to be part of the mission of rebuilding the church in this age, and therefore, rebuilding the world? Then build your family. Rather, let yourself be built, for the stones by which the church is built are her people. It has always been so and will always be so. Francis built the Church because he allowed himself to be built.
For your projects at your home, you plan, get the materials and then you begin to build. You plan how to build the new home, renovate the kitchen or put in the new playset in the backyard.
How are you building your domestic church? Do you plan, get the materials and build the church in your own home? Is there the same purpose, mission, drive and dedication to building or rebuilding your domestic church?
Few things bring greater joy to the Church than seeing families dedicated to Jesus. It’s not about being perfect (many DIY projects don’t go perfectly either, as I am sure you have discovered), but it is about fidelity. When you focus on building the faith in your family life, the entire church is blessed. This is what Mother Teresa was getting at when she said, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” So, if you want to build the Church, go home and build your domestic church.
Remember, marriage is a vocation, a call from God. God never calls without also equipping. Have faith in him and have faith in his entrustment of your family to you. Come before the Lord and say, “Jesus, what do you want to build in my family? How do you want me to help you?” When we listen to the Lord, we will get more done. Francis listened and was able to rebuild not only the physical church of San Damiano, but the whole Church which was so in need of being renewed at that time. In our building projects, it is never a “Do it yourself,” but rather a “Do it with Jesus.” He is the master builder.
Father Andy Laframboise is pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Reese and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Vassar and director of priestly vocations. He holds a licentiate in Sacred Theology in Marriage and Family Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.
