Parenthood is a spiritual duty.
One of my life goals is to be a good parent. As a married man, my vocation is focused largely on godly husbanding and fathering. You could say that a married man’s path to heaven is through becoming Christ-like in his family relationships. Us married guys need to love Jesus THROUGH our wives and children.
So I made a comic adapting some of the teachings of St. John Chrysostom about Catholic Parenting
St. John Chrysostom said, “Having children is a matter of nature; but raising them and educating them in the virtues is a matter of mind and will.”
Read the complete text of St. John Chrysostom’s Admonitions for Parents by clicking here.
St. John Chrysostom continues:
“By the duty of raising them I mean not only not allowing them to die of hunger, as people often limit their obligation toward their children to doing. For this, is needed neither books nor rubrics, for nature speaks of it quite loudly. I am speaking of the concern for educating childrens hearts in virtues and piety—a sacred duty which cannot be transgressed without thereby becoming guilty of the childrens murder, in a certain sense.”
Being a good Catholic parent is a holy calling with lofty goals and filled with awesome and terrible responsibilities. The task can be overwhelming and frustrating.
WILLPOWER is key to good Catholic parenting.
Satan is always tempting us to put our own selfish pleasure and comfort first, at the expense of our children.
Never forget: the little bodies you care for and nurture are your connection with God. Love God by loving your children.
Stay tuned for another instalment!
