February 13, 2009
The Bishop's Forum
Parents and your children — and the policical process
by Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger
Note: This column is one of a series which began during Catholic Schools Week.
This column is addressed specifically to parents blessed with children.
Children are budding adults. Educated children become educated adults in this republic of the United States. Tragically, this is not the case in all too many countries of which we are aware.
As parents, you are the first teachers of your children, in all matters, including our Catholic faith and our common experience as citizens of this land.
In regard to the faith we share, you are responsible for teaching your children more than the facts of the faith. You are responsible for teaching the message of the Gospel, first of all by your example.
So it is also in regard to citizenship. Your first responsibility to your children is your own examples as engaged participants in your community, state and nation.
However, I must caution you to be sure that when you teach your children in matters democratic you must teach the truth with clarity. Truth is a matter of fact. Truth does not abide hearsay, political harangue or personal opinion.
Political bias, religious bigotry and racism seem to be rampant these days. If you do not believe it listen to talk radio shows and view internet blogs of all kinds. I must ask you: “Are you parents solidly rooted in the truth of Gospel or not? If not, what are you doing about your lack?”
Parents, as the first teachers of their children, you must know and understand the dangers of fundamentalist positions all too often based on personal opinion on a single issue, religious bigotry, and/or racism.
Should you dare mislead your children you are liable to Almighty God, no one else. Be vigilant therefore that when you teach, you have first taught yourself in matters of truth both in the faith and in matters of civil society in spite of the whims of the day.
You parents are well advised to incorporate in your own lives the directives given to candidates for the diaconate, priesthood and episcopacy. They are simple and direct as the Book of the Gospels is presented to each one: Believe what you read! Teach what you believe! Practice what you teach!
Notice, the directives do not relate to what one might read or hear in the current media or even in printed materials. The Gospel is the standard! Neither personal opinion nor personal feelings are acceptable before the throne of God! What has Jesus taught us??!!
Children learn more from observation of their parents and their physical contact with them. They learn more from a hug of reassurance or a kiss of parental love than from your words.
Children listen even though there are times parents may not realize it. Children seem to have the innate ability to intuit the meaning of parental words without explanation.
Children are most adept at reading parental body language and voice tone more critically than most of us. Facial expressions and attitude become a language of their own. Ironically, they all too often replicate that which they have learned back to their parents. What do your children learn from your comments made around the kitchen sink or dining room table?
In short, you as parents must never underestimate the ability of your children to express their concerns and repeat yours beyond your home rightly or wrongly.
Next week: The political power of children.