As parents, when we recall the many mistakes and misfortunes we've experienced in life, it naturally occurs to us to do everything in our power to spare our children such a painful, even tragic, experience. This is generally a positive and even commendable attitude.
The danger, however, begins to appear when we come to the question of our faith in God. How many parents send their children to catechism, to the Church, often to follow programs for young people; telling themselves deep down that in their youth, their salvation is still possible; but that for them, the parents, there is little more to be done, their life is behind them, their mistakes are irreparable, their case is already closed. In fact, they seem discouraged, weary of the feeling that they can't start over. We often foster such attitudes in our relationships with our own children, and for those who don't yet have any, in our relationships with younger siblings, nephews, and other relatives. In reality, this is a trick of the devil to lead us astray.
Which of us, as a parent, would truly accept losing a child, would bear to see one of their sons go astray, finding solace in the thought that the others would maintain a virtuous attitude? Would they not do everything in their power, as long as God grants them life, to save this lost child, to bring this prodigal son home?
Well, the Lord Jesus Christ, in giving us the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), also gave us the parable of the shepherd and the hundred sheep (Luke 15:4-10); for a simple reason. So that, as parents, we might realize that we are of the same nature as our children, that is, sheep, and that only one is of a different nature: Christ our Shepherd. Therefore, a lost sheep cannot say to the Shepherd, “Don't just lead my little worm to good pasture, for my fate is already sealed”. No, that is impossible; one sheep cannot replace another; no, every sheep is important in the eyes of the Good Shepherd. A lost sheep, whether it be “grandmother”, “mother”, or “baby”, is simply a lost sheep.
To convince ourselves of this, we can recall the story of the two Marys.
- At the moment God calls you, you will either still be virgin in body, or you will have already defiled your body. Glory be to God, He knows why He allows all things. No one is greater than another for all that; it is the Grace of God;
- At the time of your salvation, you might have already swindled your fellow human beings like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8) or you might have always been without guile like Nathanael (John 1:47);
- At the moment Christ reveals himself to you, you might have blood on your hands, like Paul who persecuted the Church to the point of keeping the raiment of those who slew Stephen (Acts 22:20); or you might have always been a “good” man.
However, with a little attention, we will recognize that no being is perfect, and that our sinful nature is indeed manifest in specific aspects of our lives. Whether this nature is manifested in a tragically spectacular way or not, we all need the same nature of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ. One one hand, the least of your sins was serious enough to necessitate the death of the Lord Jesus; on the other hand, the immense weight of all your sins was not above the power of the saving blood of Christ Jesus, which blood speaks better than the “shed blood” of each of your victims, better than each of your sins.
So, dear parent, yes, intercede so that each of your sons and daughters may have a radiant life: that's right. But their life, however wonderful they may be, will never replace yours. God expects you, too, to live the life He has destined for you, the life He expects of you; that you too have hope in Him; that you too realize that, like Mary, you can go from being a "prostitute" to a valiant servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do not let your past discourage you. The Lord Jesus Christ, even at your age, can work wonders through you. Yes, He still wants to use you to accomplish His purposes here on earth. You have an irreplaceable place in the house of the Lord, a place not even your son could fill; for he already has his own place to occupy.
In the name of Christ Jesus! Amen!
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