Second Sunday after Easter, April 15th, 2018

Second Sunday After Easter, April 15th, 2018

Now, I don't consider myself an authority on parenting by any means, but it seems to me that a lot of parents are making some mistakes when it comes to raising their children.  Now, I'm no "Dr. Spock" when it comes to raising children.  I just want to point that out, first and foremost.  But it seems to me that children need their parents to be there for them.  Parents need to be in their child's life.  Now, you're saying to yourself as you read that last statement:  "Thanks, Mr. Rocket Scientist, That's just common sense."  Well, yes, it certainly is common sense.  So let me try to explain what I mean.  From my perspective on things, I see a lot of parents equate "buying things" or "giving things" with spending time with their children.  It's not the same thing, first and foremost.   I have seen parents . . .  mom's and dad's  . . . . spend their hard-earned money to buy their children:  computers, toys, expensive shoes and/or clothing, etc. The problem is that a lot of these parents that are buying things for their children do not necessarily spend any time with their children.  That's the sticking point right there.  These parents equate "buying things"  . . . . even expensive things . . . . they equate this as the same thing as spending quality time with their children.  It's not the same thing and it never will be.  I have seen fathers, for example, who pride themselves on being there for their children and yet, ironically, they are never there.  In other words, the father is always away working or spending time with friends or taking care of business.   But on the other hand very often these fathers will be the ones who buy their children expensive shoes, TV's, games, clothes, etc., etc., etc.  Buying things for children.  . .. even if it's expensive things . . .  is not the same as spending time with your children.  And I think that is the key right there.  It's easier for us to spend money than it is for us to spend time.  Now, I'm certainly not saying that buying things for your children is out of the question.  Obviously, as a parent you are obligated to provide food, shelter, clothing, etc. for your children.  What I'm suggesting is that very often parents who do NOT spend time with their children, try to ease  their conscience by buying their kids "this, that, and the other."   And then these parents turn around and say that they are a good parent.  No, you're not.  You're just good at buying things.  Buying things, again, is NOT the same thing as spending time with your children.  And this is why Our Blessed Saviour is the perfect role-model for parents because He came to spend time with us.  In the Tenth Chapter of the Gospel of St. John, Our Lord describes Himself as the Good Shepherd.  He says: "I am the good shepherd; and know my sheep, and am known of mine, even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; . . ." He knows His sheep because He is with them.  He knows His sheep by spending time with them.  He knows His sheep because they are His.  And then Our Lord goes on to point out that "the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep"  In other words, Christ gave His life for us.  In life and in death, Christ chose to give of Himself.  In life, He chose to spend time with His children.  And He chose to die so that we could have new life with Him.  In both cases, He gave of Himself.  Likewise, this is what parents need to do with their children:  parents need to give of themselves and not just "buy."   God gave of Himself to His children.  That's how much He loves us.  Anybody can go out and "buy something" but the question is:  can you give of yourself?  Can you give of your time?  To your children?  To God?  

St. Margaret Church meets each and every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM to gather together as God's family so that we worship God in a traditional liturgy.  We use the King Jame Version of the Bible.  We also use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.  We listen to what God is saying to us and open our hearts to hear His Word.  And then we receive His Most Precious Body and Blood at Communion time.  We worship at the beautiful chapel at Marquette Manor, located at 8140 N. Township Line Road on the Northwest side of Indianapolis.