As the cold weather lifts, the list of things we want to get done around the house and yard seems to explode. Finally! we can get started on this or that project.
Confession. As I (Soren) settled into a long list of projects this past Saturday, I popped in the earbuds to catch up on a few podcasts. It seemed like a win-win—catching up on various topics (even good reflections on the spiritual life!) while pushing through the to-do list of cleaning, organizing, and yardwork.
Then, as the afternoon of work around the house wore on—and my retreat into podcast-land went into hours 3 and 4—the extent of my folly became apparent. One of my boys appeared in front of me waving his hands excitedly and moving his lips unintelligibly. As I hit “pause,” I finally heard the words “Mom needs you!” Oops.
As he walked away, I realized our family’s “shared work around the house day” had slipped into a “Dad’s on his phone” day. Not only that, I could barely remember what I had listened to an hour ago. Sure, I was getting stuff done and even learning a few things, but in a house full of people, I was alone, self-preoccupied, and missing out on something bigger.
Contrast this dad with St. Joseph, whose work and household chores were constantly united with Jesus and Mary. It’s a striking image in this third week of the month, as we focus on our Household Economy and prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19th.
“We can think of St. Joseph planing the same board as Jesus,” shared the USCCB’s Dominic Lombardi in a recent reflection. This tangible “uniting of our work with Jesus” is what’s available to us when we choose shared work instead of operating as a Lone Ranger.
In his essay on “Reclaiming the Household,” Dr. John Cuddeback explains, “A renewal of family life will require a renewal of the household, especially as a place of shared work and a center of shared experience and belonging. We are missing out on truly human living because we fail to live together.” As we continue our Lenten journey toward the cross and resurrection, it’s a fitting moment for us to assess the caliber of our “shared work” and our parental presence in the home.
Ever and I constantly struggle with the kids’ screen-time, but my recent Saturday was an example of how I am my biggest problem. One Saturday may seem harmless, but if I was to model this in the home for months and years to come, I would miss countless opportunities to plane the same board as Jesus, renewing our household as a place of shared work.
And so, I challenge us all to make one small step in our Trinity House’s Household Economy of shared work in the coming week. Maybe dedicate a half hour to doing little chores alongside your child or teach him or her how to fix something or how to make an omelet. Maybe lead your family through two hours of genuine shared work before you celebrate with a high five and a treat. Whatever it is, let’s do it in a spirit of gratitude for the chance to follow in the footsteps of St. Joseph and his holy family!
Heaven In Your Home Toolkit
In “How Should We Think About the Age of Distraction” (The Catholic Spirit), Fr. Mike Schmitz comments on our “constant desire to be somewhere else” and our “constant state of distraction.” He asks, “How many of us can stand in line, sit in a waiting room, or simply be by ourselves without giving in to the constant pressure to be somewhere else by turning to our phone or device?”
We mentioned it above, but Dr. John Cuddeback’s “Reclaiming the Household” is an inspiring deep dive into this idea of “shared work” in the home.
For St. Patrick’s day tomorrow, take a moment to read St. Patrick’s powerful prayer, which you can find here along with a great overview by Fr. Patrick Briscoe (Aleteia), “St. Patrick’s Breastplate Unpacked.”
As we look to St. Joseph this coming Friday, here’s a helpful reflection by Fr. Joseph Doyle at OSV News: “Getting to Know St. Joseph Through his Roles in the Joyful Mysteries.”
“Nobody wants to talk about the family, and the family’s the whole story,” remarks Nobel Laureate and economist James Heckman in a recent interview with the American Enterprise Institute, “and it’s the whole story about a lot of social and economic issues.” “I wish the family would get back into more of the center of our lives.” Amen to that.
In “Soil and Soul” (Arlington Catholic Herald), Soren reflects on the life and lessons of an uncle who recently died.
We’re hiring! Learn more about a Ministry Coordinator (15-20 hrs/week) opportunity to join the Trinity House Commmunity team here.
Curious to know about other ways to strengthen your Level 3 of Household Economy? Check out over 12 additional practical strategies here.
Please Join Us In Prayer
For the conversion of our hearts and minds during this Lenten season, that we would strive to imitate our Lord;
For a revival of the faith that comes from the living Christ, for hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit, and for the love flowing from the merciful heart of the Father (Cf. Pope Francis, Lenten Message);
For an end to the pandemic; for safety and healing for all those impacted by COVID-19, and for all medical personnel;
For the ministry of Trinity House Community, including the staff of Trinity House Café, and all individuals and families who are seeking to reflect the life of the Trinity in their homes.
