As Family Kneels

ERNESTO E. MAIPID, JR

That’s my grandson, Tristan introducing his friend, Jesus, to his younger brother, Caelan. This photo was enough to make my day.

I had been trying to capture the holy, late afternoon moments of the Covid years when the family gathers to pray via messenger. I never fail to get excited at the grandchildren at the forefront of our rosary recitation—one decade assigned to each of my three children, one to Mamu, my wife, Gigi, and finally, to me, Papu! They start with their thanksgiving prayers, move on to their petitions and then recite the rest of the decade, as Mamu and Papu do the links while their parents do the coaching.

Flowing out of their lips are babbles of gratitude: ‘Thank you for Mama’s birthday.’ ‘Thank you for an afternoon at the park.’ ‘Thank you for a good grade in school.’ Thank you for the spiders, the truck toy, and Mamu’s brownies.’

Then come to their innocent pleas for God to heal them from coughs or colds, for Papa to come home safely, for all family to come together soon, for the soul of a well-loved ‘Tita (aunt),’ or even intentions like the approval of visa applications or the care of finances.’ A staple prayer, though, is that ‘Covid go away’ and that ‘Leni and Kiko win the elections!’

I then ponder how our Great God, seated on His heavenly throne and His loving Mother beside Him is so pleased to listen to these little tots pouring their hearts out in purity.

I savor the moment and thank God for the sense of satisfaction that the legacy of prayer is passed. For me to know that to these children, God is a Father they can run and pray to is enough. To further believe that God will answer their utterances is the momentous beginning of faith. I can never thank God enough for the precious opportunities laid before us in our family prayer.

All these have made an impact on Tristan, who, at 5 years, has taken responsibility for introducing Jesus to his 1 1/2-year-old brother, Caelan!

Excited to see the boys set foot on their faith journey!