We are presented with two profound readings in today’s Mass, that call us to reflect on our role as both individuals and parents in the withholding of God's grace and love in our families and communities. The prophet Ezekiel reminds us, "For all lives are mine; the life of the father is like the life of the son, both are mine." This powerful statement underscores our shared responsibility, not just for our own lives but for the lives of those who come after us, especially our children.
In recent years, we have witnessed societal changes that challenge the values we hold dear—issues of morality, justice, and equity are often intertwined with our responsibilities as parents and guardians. There is a growing narrative that suggests our behaviors, sins, or shortcomings do not bear consequences for our children, that the “green grapes” of our actions might not sour the teeth of the next generation. Yet, Ezekiel dismantles this notion, emphasizing individual accountability and the profound necessity of shaping a virtuous environment for our children.
How easy it can be, in the midst of our busy lives, to become complacent. We may find ourselves consumed by our discussions about the economy, politics, or societal issues, and forget that the most profound ministry we can offer is nurturing the faith of our children. It is a choice we make every day to either invite our children to experience the love of Christ or to allow them to drift away in the distractions of a world that often lacks the moral compass we hold dear.
In Matthew's Gospel, we see Jesus inviting children to come to Him. He rebukes the disciples for preventing children from approaching Him, affirming their value in the Kingdom of God: “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Herein lies our challenge and duty: to lay hands on our children in prayer, guiding them as they grow in faith, and to ensure that they understand their worth as beloved children of God. As parents, you can bless your children with holy water and pray over them. You have the authority to do this, and the Lord truly works through the prayer of faith united to sacramentals – like, holy water. Bless them. Bless them often. For the devil flees from Holy Water.
As we navigate these turbulent times, with discussions around ethical living, environmental stewardship, and social justice, let us commit to structuring our lives in ways that reinforce these values for the next generation, but that we teach them how values too, fall into a list of priorities. No value, no right, is greater than that of life itself. It is non-sensical to fight for climate change related issues, while promoting the killing of the unborn. How can we show our children what it means to live a virtuous life if we do not uphold the most fundamental right to life above all other rights? What lessons are we imparting through our actions at home and in the community? They learn more from what we do than what we say, for sure, but what we say matters. What we say, sticks.
Training our children to “fear God” is not a call to control or to instill fear in the non-Christian sense, the kind of fear Muslims teach their children to approach God with, but rather our children must be taught to foster a deep respect and reverence for God himself above all else, and then for God’s creation and commandments. It is about cultivating an understanding that leads them toward love, compassion, and commitment to justice. We must model behaviors that reflect honesty, respect for others, kindness, and generosity. We must ensure that our own values align with what we hope to impart, but most of all, we must live out our genuine love for God.
Let us remember that we are living in an age where the challenges of the world can seem overwhelming. But, as Ezekiel reminds us, we hold within our grasp the power to truly impact our children. Our God is always ready to receive and forgive those who turn to Him and we must always teach our youth about God’s mercy only after we ourselves have received it in our lives and extended it to others. "Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies. Return and live!"
In the coming weeks, I encourage us all to actively seek opportunities to engage our children in conversations of faith—through scripture, community service, and open dialogue about the world around us. Let us encourage them to see their own role in the body of Christ. As we raise these future stewards of our faith, let us pray for the strength to guide them in their journeys, embracing the love of Christ and the beauty of His teachings that leads us toward the fullness of life.
May we, with fervor and love, bring our children to Christ knowing that when we do so, we bring them to the source of all goodness, peace, joy, strength and wisdom. And may they always feel welcomed in the arms of our Savior, who assures us that the Kingdom belongs to such as these, who remain innocent, grateful and trusting God with all things.
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