Parents are indicators of the truth
By Greg Zambrano
Children require direction and feedback on their path towards God. As parents, we constantly have to instruct children on many things – from how to brush their teeth and tie their shoes to how to pray and learn about Catholicism.
As an indicator, we direct them towards the best and safest path to get the optimal results. For example, in education. We may help them with math and English homework or even study for a test. When tests or the report cards indicate the student’s standing on grades, we congratulate their accomplishments or instruct the need to study some more. Sometimes it takes more than studying to get better grades, but eventually, with everyone’s hard work, the child bounces back.
One of my favorite interests is aviation. Both of my kids have joined me to watch air crash investigations on television. These programs detail the steps that were taken to complete the process, and they show the results of the investigation.
In one particular investigation, there was a crash of an aircraft that had its pitot tubes covered with tape. The mechanics covered them because the aircraft had a long stay on the ground. The aircraft took off on a moonless night, and nobody noticed that the indicators were still covered. The pilots could not receive clear, truthful information on air speed, altitude or outside air conditions. Without this truthful information, they crashed.
Children, like the pilots, need the truth to avoid disasters. The life of our soul depends on the truth.
In John 14:6, Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” Jesus is the truth. We must constantly receive the pure truth of our Catholic faith – the sacraments.
In Psalm 78:4, “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.”
Saint Mary Margaret Alacoque spread to the world the knowledge of abundant graces pouring out from the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. In the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, Jesus indicates towards his heart. Let’s take Jesus’ solid advice to head towards his sacred heart. Let us point our family to his marvelous joy.
