Family Check-up

What are your children reading?

Family Check-up

August 23, 2022

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Have you taken your children for a General Check-up lately?

In America, we take our children every year for a general check-up. If they are pale and tired, the doctor may check their blood and find that they are anemic, then tell us to give them iron supplements and modify their diet.

Have you taken your children for a general check-up of their minds and souls lately?

Some parents ask “What is wrong with my daughter? What is wrong with my son?” In Middle School and High School there is a change, and they do not understand why. What are they feeding their mind? What are they doing with their bodies? What are they feeding their souls?

As parents, let us look into the lives of our children and ask ourselves:

What are they learning? What are they reading? Check the list of reading materials at the school, read them with them and make your voice known to the schools when the books are immoral or unethical.

For their bodies? What are they doing? Have we taught them to respect their bodies? Have we taught them that the body is not our own that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit?

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

For their souls: Do they know that the purpose of our life is to know, to love and to serve God with body, mind and soul?

Let us teach them Philippians 4:5-8, to dismiss anxiety:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!

Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Let us teach them than a life of service is a fruitful and virtuous life. As we help them, let us teach them that prayer a priority a holy life.

Pray with them in the morning as you send them to school. Bless your children as you tell them “Good Bye”. Tell them you love them.

Pray for them. Pray before meals and at bedtime. It is a blessing to pray the family rosary. Give them a crucifix to wear with a miraculous medal. Display the Divine Mercy and the Sacred Heart of Jesus picture at home.

For them and for you: Be sure to get your house blessed by your parish priest. Receive the brown scapular. Watch holy movies and read the Bible with your family.

Foster a network of family and friends where your family can grow and feel safe.

Attend Sunday Mass as a family. For yourself, the parent, attend daily Mass often, and receive the Sacraments. Be part of a Catholic community where together with other families, you all can make a difference in the community. Get involved in the public square.

Look at what your children are reading, what they are playing, what music they are listening to… In the secular world, society is not teaching virtue but is planting seeds of envy, distrust, and division.

Be part of your children’s lives. Do not let the secular media raise your child. A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a soul is even worse.

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?

Matthew 16:26

This weekend sit down with your children and tell them your spiritual walk. Share your spiritual legacy.

We need to share our faith with our family and with our community. Let us pray for each other and support each other as we walk through life together.

Walk with the Lord Jesus at all times, do not let go of His hand.

Share your life with your family and friends, so when you grow old, they may share their lives with you.

May God bless you and your family with love, wisdom and peace! †

(c) 2022 Marta Alves August 23, 2022