TRAIN A CHILD HOLISTICALLY: PHYSICALLY & RELIGIOUSLY
It is the dream of every parent to see his or her child(ren) become great, influential & responsible in life. To this end, parents would send their children to “good” schools in order to achieve desired results. On the material & physical level, we do everything possible to ensure the success of our children.
What of the spiritual dimension? How often do we discuss issues of God, religion, virtues, etc with our children? As a parent, when was the last time that you shared God’s Word with your child(ren)? As a parent, do you even have interest in terms of your children’s spiritual life? If your response to the above is positive, that’s ok; but if your response is negative, then there is work to be done.
The first line of today’s Gospel reading (Luke 2: 41-51) shows us the way. The passage talks about the parents of Jesus (Joseph & Mary) going to the Temple in Jerusalem for the Passover feast & the text reads:
“Every year, the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the festival of Passover.” This is how Joseph & Mary formed Jesus. They were not only interested in the physical growth of Jesus, but also His spiritual growth; hence, their going to Jerusalem for the festival.
What are we to do to help our children grow religiously & spiritually?
PRAY for them DAILY.
TEACH them how to PRAY so they can be on their own.
SHARE the WORD OF GOD often with them.
GO to Church with them & never LEAVE them @ home.
ENCOURAGE & never DISCOURAGE them.
If they make MISTAKES, CORRECT them GENTLY & RESPONSIBLY.
Proclaim BLESSINGS into their lives & not CURSES.
LOVE them as Jesus loves you.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose Immaculate Heart we are celebrating today, continue to intercede for children all over the world & us all, the Father & the Son & the Holy Spirit.
Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis!
(Saint Mary, pray for us!)