How parents influence their children’s faith lives

A Reflection for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Find today’s readings here.

It is well known that parents are often the biggest influences on their children’s faith. Parents shape a child’s understanding of the world, their relationship with God, their moral compass. This can be both a comfort and a stress. At times, it is easy to wonder: Am I doing enough? Am I a good example? Am I pointing my children in the right direction? 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us how intimately his mission is intertwined with his father’s and invites us to share in that mission. We are connected to him and called to make our lives close to him. He also reminds us that none of us are on this journey alone and that this journey requires trust. Just as a child trusts a parent to guide him or her, so must we acknowledge the ways in which we must rely on God to lead us to where we need to be, to live fully the life to which we are called.

There are many ways to live a holy life, to be a good example. Perhaps that question of “Am I doing enough?” works better if we ask: Am I growing closer to God? Am I allowing my own life to be bound with Christ’s? Instead of asking if we are pointing others in the “right” direction, perhaps we can ask: Am I leading a life that helps point others toward God? 

Jesus tells us: “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.” Let us, too, seek to do the will of the one who has sent us, who continues to send us, who continues to guide us on our way.