Gather Around the Family Altar

Adapted from the writings of J.R. Miller

A friend was telling of a wonderful little flower which he discovered high up on the Rocky Mountains. In a deep fissure among the rocks, one midsummer day, he found the snow still lying unmelted, and on the surface of the snow he saw a lovely flower.

When he looked closely he perceived that it had a long, delicate white stem, coming up through the deep snow from the soil in a crevice of the rock underneath. The little plant had grown up in spite of all obstacles, its tender stem unharmed by the cold drifts, until it blossomed out in loveliness above the snow.

The secret was its root in the rich soil in the cleft of the rock, from which it drew such fullness of life, that it rose through all hindrances—to perfect beauty.

That little flower is a fit picture of every tender child-life in this world. Over it are chilling masses of evil and destructive influences, and if it ever grows up into noble and lovely character, it must conquer its way by the force of its own inward life, until it stands crowned with beauty, with every obstacle beneath it.

This it can do, only through the power of the divine grace within. Its root must be homed in the sheltered warmth of piety, in the cleft of the Rock of the Ages.

Those who grow up in truly Christian homes, imbibing in their souls from infancy the very life of Christ—will be strong to overcome every obstacle and resist every temptation.

The influence of godly example, the memories of the home altar, the abiding power of the sacraments, and the grace of God descending perpetually upon the young life in answer to believing prayer, give it such inspirations and impulses toward all that is noble and heavenly—that it will stand at last crowned with honor and beauty.

To make a home godless and prayerless, is to send our children out to meet all the world’s evil, without either the shelter of covenant love to cover them in the storm, or the strength of holy principle in their hearts to make them able to endure.

But what is it which makes a home—a Christian home? What is true home religion? These questions are important enough for most thoughtful consideration.

Those who wish to cultivate flowers so as to bring out the richest possible beauty in them, study long and diligently the nature of plant life and the many conditions of soil, of temperature, of air and moisture essential to the growth of each particular kind of plant, and the development of each variety of flower; and then with scientific exactness, produce in each case the right conditions.

In our homes, we are growing immortal lives. The problem is to bring out in each one the very highest possible development of godly character. There are certain conditions which are essential to all true growth. If men take such pains to know how to grow flowers which fade in a day—should we not take pains to know how to grow souls which live forever?

What should be the religious atmosphere of a home, to make it a true spiritual conservatory?

There must be a home altar. No Christian home-life can be complete where the family does not daily gather for family prayer…preferably the holy rosary.

Catholics gather at Holy Mass for the supreme act of our faith: but if there is to be a family religion, a home-life blessed and sweetened by the grace of Christ—there must also be family prayer where all assemble to devoutly acknowledge Christ as King of our homes and petition Him for protection and help.

There are many reasons why such family worship should be observed. Shall we take all God’s daily benefits from His Hand—and return to Him no thanks? Shall we be continually dependent on His bountiful Providence for food, for raiment, for protection, for love and all the tender joys of home— and yet never turn to Him in prayer?

Shall we call our home a Christian home, and yet never worship Christ within our doors? Shall we call ourselves God’s children, and yet never offer any praise to our Father? Should there not be some difference between a Christian and a heathen home? Should not God’s children live differently from the children of this world? What mark is there that distinguishes our home, from the home of our godless neighbor—if there is no family altar?

There are many things which tend to cause friction in a household. There are daily cares. There are annoyances of a thousand kinds, which break in upon the even flow of the family life.

None of us are angels, and our fellowship together is ofttimes marred by selfishness, or impatience, or irritability, or quarrels. Sometimes our quick lips speak the harsh word which gives pain to more than one tender heart in the household.

We sometimes misunderstand each other—and a shadow hangs between two souls which love each other very truly. There is nothing that will smooth out all the little tangles, and set all wrong things right again—like the daily family rosary together.

Every burden is there brought—and laid on the great Burden bearer. Harsh feelings are softened, as the Blessed Mother is invoked to pray for us.

Hearts are drawn closer together, as they approach the same throne of heavenly grace and seek the protection of Our Lady and her Beloved Son.

Impatience vanishes from face and speech; no bitterness against another member of the family, can live through a tender season of household prayer; while we plead with God to forgive our sins—we cannot but forgive one another.

Peace comes to the perplexed soul, while bowing at God’s feet and feeling the great calm of His own peace brooding over us and lying all about us. We are ashamed of our disquiet and worry—when we look up into our Father’s face and see how faithfully He loves and cares for us.

Kneeling in prayer together strengthens all the household for life’s active duties. Wisdom is sought and obtained for the decisions and plans of the day. Guidance is asked and received. Help is drawn down from the throne of God. The children go out under sheltering wings and are safe in danger, guarded by angels and kept by Christ himself.

Gossip, of course, is not conversation. It is a terrible wound of charity to judge, to gripe about someone behind their back, to share one’s misjudgment with others. There is sadness in gossip. ~Catherine de Hueck Doherty

“What impressed the Saint most was that they loved God very simply but very sincerely. God was the great reality in their lives. They performed their daily duties, seeing God in all they did….” If you enjoy this video , please Like and Subscribe.

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Excellent books! With God in Russia and the sequels He Leadeth Me and With God in America!

You won’t be disappointed!

“In With God in Russia, Ciszek reflects on his daily life as a prisoner, the labor he endured while working in the mines and on construction gangs, his unwavering faith in God, and his firm devotion to his vows and vocation. Enduring brutal conditions, Ciszek risked his life to offer spiritual guidance to fellow prisoners who could easily have exposed him for their own gains. He chronicles these experiences with grace, humility, and candor, from his secret work leading mass and hearing confessions within the prison grounds, to his participation in a major gulag uprising, to his own “resurrection”—his eventual release in a prisoner exchange in October 1963 which astonished all who had feared he was dead.