SHAPING HEARTS
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Exodus 24:3-8
Psalm 50:1-2,5-6,14-15
Matthew 13:24-30
How would you raise your child if you knew they would become the president of your country? What will you feed them? What school will you send them to? Who would you want to be their friends? What sporting activities would they indulge in? Would their religious beliefs be important to you? You can never overprepare a child for such an important role of governance. Indeed, we will spare no expense in providing them the best of everything. We would not mind borrowing, going hungry, spending sleepless nights and being extra vigilant over their safety and well-being because we know that their safety and the quality of their life hold a bigger importance for us and, more importantly, for their mission. If this is how we would handle the training of a future president, what about the training of the Mother of God?
Today, we celebrate Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus. It is surreal to think that Jesus, the second Person of the Blessed Trinity, had grandparents. This is how rooted He wants to be, to be part of the fabric of human society. He wanted to be shaped by human values, to understand the culture into which He was born, to be nurtured by the often-incomplete education of parenting, and come to know God through an organic relationship that is forged by daily, careful routines. Mary received her faith formation from her parents, and Jesus (in his human nature) was a grateful recipient of this through her. What would have happened if Joachim and Anne cared less about their daughter’s upbringing?
Today, more than ever before, people are sexually abused from a young age, they get hooked on illicit substances, are exposed to pornography and sexual deviance, child labour, gambling and other vices, leaving them with no fighting chance against a vicious society that cares less about the physical and mental state of its members. Like the enemy who sowed darnels among wheat in the gospel, so many enemies are sowing evil seeds in the hearts of children and young adults, tearing them away from their parents. In most cases, these parents are unaware of the dangers they have allowed to fester and often cooperate with the enemy to ruin their children’s lives.
A great parenting recipe for this age must include:
Proper parental value system (faith, morals and common sense).
Stable marital relationship
Parental presence (know what is happening in your home).
Parental provision (be the main provider for your children).
Family prayers and meals.
Proper faith and academic formation.
Co-education of your children (know what your children are learning and assist in their training).
Vetting of their choices of friends, taste in fashion and popular culture content.
Be a reference point when they have questions or need clarification.
Use dialogue and scolding in equal measure.
Stay up to date with trends and current affairs so you can provide relevant information.
Pray for them and bless them (because you will not always be with them).
Parenting is a full-time job. It is best not to start if you know you cannot fulfil this responsibility. It is better to avoid it together than to do a bad job. Your choice of becoming a parent will shape the course of history. Alas, your life is shaping the course of human history as we speak. Make the right choices. Pray for grace to live well. May God supply all that you need to live well and influence future generations with the right sets of values, and God will bless you abundantly.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, let my heart be shaped by wisdom flowing from your word, from the grace flowing from the sacraments and the light and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Make me a useful instrument in spreading your love and peace in the world. Amen.
May the Almighty and ever-living God fill your heart with wisdom, strength and purpose to embrace your mission of making Him known and loved in the world, in all you do, in your different roles and responsibilities and renew you with grace daily through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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