Parents

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102914.cfm) reminds me to honor my parents.

They say that in life, you easily hurt the people closest to you – the people you love, the important people, the people you are comfortable with… simply because with them you can be yourself, you can show the real you. Unfortunately, our parents, because of their genuine love and understanding for us, usually experience this from their children. However, the first reading today reminds us how we should treat our parents.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.Honor your father and mother.
This is the first commandment with a promise,
that it may go well with you
and that you may have a long life on earth.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.

The fourth commandment is relating to the parents. after the first three, which are all about God, he put the parents next. This tells us something – how God wants us to really respect and honor our parents. So much that he gives us a promise as we do so – a long and good life. Wow, powerful. God must be really serious about this, right?

Our parents are the first “Jesus” in our lives.

Our parents showed and made us feel real love, care and concern. When we were helpless children, they cared for us. When we were always crying, they tried to go down to our level and understand what we need – basing only from our cry. When we were growing up, they made themselves always available for us. When we need support – financial, emotional, spiritual, etc, they do their best. They make miracles happen that despite all the challenges they face in life and in their careers, they were there for us, making us feel that everything is normal and fine. Come to think of it, they were one of, if not the most strong embodiment of Jesus and God’s love in our lives. Thus, it is just right that we should treat them as we would Jesus.

Our parents may be imperfect, like everyone else. But they try their best,  not to be perfect, but to be the best version of themselves for us. May we obey God and show our love for God through our parents.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for my parents, Lord. Thank you for sending them in my life. Thank you for blessing them with love, graces, understanding and peace – for they give us these things as well. I ask that you continue to bless my parents, and that you help me do my best to show them my love. May I always do my best to honor them in my life. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-