Families and the Culture of Life - Part 2

The family is the building block of society. So if we want to spread a culture of life in society, we must first spread a culture of life in the family.

How do we treat our parents? Do we view them as merely a way of getting what we want, or perhaps as an obstacle to getting what we want? Do we always expect perfection from them and get angry at them when they fail? Or do we instead look at them as human beings made in the image and likeness of God, worthy of dignity and respect? Do we listen to God’s law “Honor thy father and thy mother"? Do we recognize the acts they have done for us out of love?

Perhaps your parents haven’t loved you as they should. Do you love them? Are you able to forgive them for any harm or neglect they may have given you? Or are the barriers too difficult, the hurts too deep? If this is the case, be sure to turn to Jesus. Pray for the grace for healing. Remember His Divine Mercy and forgiveness. Remember His love for us on the cross. After all we did to Him, after all the times we rejected Him, He still loved us enough to die for us.

Remember with father, mother, sister, brother, son, and daughter, to give of yourself in love. Ask not what your family can do for you but what you can do for your family. Okay, so you can and should express your needs to your family, but look out for the needs of others as well. Be kind to someone after they have had a stressful day. Offer to help out. Try to keep positive.

If parents can see their children as gifts from God rather than burdens, we can gradually wear away the mentality that promotes abortion. If children can see the loving sacrifice of their parents, a model of Christ, perhaps we can have more respect for the elderly. Perhaps the children will return the favor when they need help in old age. If we can start viewing people as good in their own regard, regardless of what they do for us, perhaps we can prevent the killing of people regarded as useless to society.

So start in the family that great, ultimate task of the human person. Give yourself as an offering of love to those around you every day. Show solidarity with your brothers and sisters, your mother and father. Look to the Holy Family for guidance. And never loose hope. For after the cross comes the resurrection, and a new life in the family of Christ.