Readings: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14. Col 3:12-21. Lk 2:22-40
Apparently, God arranged it in such a way that even though human beings seem to be more intelligent than other animals, our young ones are more dependent on their parents than the young ones of these animals are on their own parents, and for a longer period. The continuity and prosperity of the human species depends on the parents fulfilling this role properly. This is best done in a family setting where both parents cooperate to raise their young ones appropriately.
The destruction of the human race and the reduction of its quality of life can thus easily be achieved through attacking the family. Whatever affects the family negatively affects this process of raising our young ones, in one way or another. And it can happen so subtly that we don’t even recognise it.
Parents absconding from their parenting responsibilities (sometimes pushing these responsibilities to schools). Couples growing further apart. Legislation that’s anti-family (and sometimes totally anti-life). Each one of us needs to evaluate carefully these things and wonder whether we’re promoting the progress of the human race or its retrogression.
May Jesus Christ grant us the grace to raise our children well. May our 2024 be extra fruitful.