"Saint Mama" and "Saint Papa"

We went to Mass this morning, blessed with the company of my sister-in-law, Auntie C and her little one (our Godson), E. At our Church, being a large parish with quite the elderly population, it is typical to have at least one funeral (if not two or three!) any given week. Since Father O'Doherty is the only pastor of our parish, funerals are held during daily Mass, also as a way for the Church body to participate in these funerals which might otherwise not have many attendees. Today happened to be a funeral Mass. I truly don't mind participating in funerals- I've been to so many in my life because of my music jobs- and I usually find myself reflecting greatly upon my own life during these celebrations. Today, being the Feast Day of St. Joseph, I loved listening to Father's Sermon, contemplating Jesus' relationship with St. Joseph. Father mentioned how he undoubtedly called him "Daddy" (or the equivalent in Aramaic, of course!). Anyways, it was a really beautiful sermon, reflecting on dear St. Joseph, protector and intercessor of all fathers and all families. Just as the funeral procession was about to begin, I had to take L to the bathroom. So M stayed with her Auntie C while we left for the restroom. When I came back, she informed me of the precious interaction I missed between her and M while I was gone... definitely had to share this!
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M: Auntie C, why can't I see the person who died? Why are they in that thing and covered with a cloth?

Auntie C: Well, that's what they do at funerals. They're no longer alive, so the family has them put in a casket like that.

M: Oh. Well, when my Mama and Papa die, I think I'll go with them.

Auntie C: Hmm. That might not happen, though, M. Jesus might not decide to have you come with them just then. Maybe, but we don't know. But you can ask them to pray for you after they die, though.

M: Oh! That's right! And maybe they'll be called "St. Mama" and "St. Papa", right?!

Auntie C: Yeah! Maybe! That's what you can pray for, because Jesus wants us all to become saints and live our lives loving him with all our hearts.

M: I'll still be very sad though, when they die.

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"Saint Mama" and "Saint Papa". Wow. How's that for originality?! She ponders death and heaven quite a lot lately. I can almost see the wheels turning constantly in her head! Lately, M has also been very interested in 'the poor'. We've read some stories about saints, which have spurred conversations about the poor. A few days ago we had another thought-provoking conversation...

M: Mama, I have a really good idea!! Can we have some poor people over to our house for dinner?!

Mama: That's a great idea, Sweetie. Let's talk with Papa about it later tonight. We could also look for ways to serve the poor, maybe at a food shelf, where they feed people who are hungry and poor.

M: But, I think we should have them over to our house! I know!! Let's go for a walk tonight, and I'll bring my piggy bank, and we can find some poor people and I'll share my money with them, so they're not poor anymore!

Mama: How will you know if someone's poor?

M: (almost rolling her eyes at the absurdity of my question) We'll ask them, of course!

Mama: Oh.

M: Can I like give them some of my clothes and toys, too?

Mama: That would be wonderful, M. We can go through all of our things at home and put together a boxful of stuff if you'd like.

M: Oh yes! Let's all do that!!
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Oh that I would have the heart and compassion that my four year old does! No wonder Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven belonging to those who 'become like little children.'!!