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As I grew up, my parents insisted that I greeted them by asking for their blessing: “Bendición, papá; bendición, mamá.” This phrase, which is short for “dame tu bendición” (“give me your blessing, dad/mom”), is a South American tradition that I’m trying (tryyying) to teach my own kids. Much like saying “adiós” (which is a prayer hiding in plain sight), these customs reflect a deep-seated religious background, both culturally and within the family.
For Catholics, integrating religious practices into our daily routines is an easy way to give depth and transcendental meaning to our everyday lives. Here are a few ways to integrate faith and routine:
Start with Morning Prayer
Starting the day with a prayer sets an overarching spiritual patina for everything that follows. Start the day with a simple morning offering, dedicating all actions to God. This practice helps everyone face the day with a sense of purpose and peace – much like putting on spiritual armor.
Grace Before Meals
Saying grace before meals is a tradition everyone can enjoy and appreciate. This simple prayer makes a routine activity into a moment of awareness, acknowledging God’s providence. It’s a quick moment to foster gratitude.
Family Rosary
Some families like to pray the Rosary together. This practice not only strengthens family bonds, but also deepens its collective faith. From a very practical standpoint, it is a way to teach kids that not every single family plan has to be about fun and games. We can also share moments to think, contemplate, and learn.
Acts of kindness
Incorporating random acts of kindness into our daily lives is the perfect way to live out our faith. Small acts like smiling, saying kind words, or helping a neighbor show that love and compassion are at the heart of Catholic teachings, offering love and service to God in our community.
Bedtime reflection
Ending the day with a moment of reflection and prayer is fundamental. Some families often use the Examen, a practice developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, which involves reviewing the day’s events, acknowledging God’s presence, and asking forgiveness for any shortcomings.
Integrating these practices is all about being intentional and aware. By being mindful of the spiritual dimensions of everyday actions, ordinary moments turn into sacred ones. In a world that often moves at a frantic pace, taking a moment to infuse daily routines with faith can provide a much-needed anchor. This mindful approach keeps faith alive and makes everyday life more fulfilling and meaningful for us and our kids.
