Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time.

My dear Parishioners,

Peace! There are ten (10) “In Brief” articles in the Catechism of the Catholic Church addressing the Fourth Commandment of the Decalogue, ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ The following is a reflection on CCC 2251.

In consideration of the Fourth Commandment “Honor your father and your mother” the Catechism highlights four specific aspects which are required in order that this part of God’s holy will is known and loved and carried out.

First, children are to respect their parents. How much easier this is for the children when the parents live honest and upright lives. When the children daily see the virtues of their parents, only a wicked child would fail to respect. Saint Augustine’s conversion was a great sign of respect for Saint Monica, even as his disordered living before conversion was disrespectful to her. What greater honor might a husband and wife have than to say, “see, my kid is a saint.”

Second, children are to be thankful to their parents. For what are children to be thankful? God gives us the gift of life through our parents. This is something for which children should be grateful. If our parents have seen to our bodily and spiritual needs (a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, clothes on our backs, teaching us how to pray, about God and the life of grace…) then we have much for which to give thanks.

Third, children are to be justly obedient to their parents. The Lord Jesus gives a perfect example of this in that He was obedient to Our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph (cf. Saint Luke 2:51). When told to eat His vegetables, clean His room, go to sleep, go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem… the Lord complied lovingly.

Finally, children are to help their parents. I know of a man who saw to it that his mother-in-law had all that she needed to live, even to the ripe old age of 102, making sure that there was a roof over her head, food in her belly and clothes on her back. To help with household chores is a very practical way of showing love for our parents and family.

God forbid our parents are not worthy of much respect due to unrepentant sin, still the children show great respect for their parents when not following their bad example. God forbid parents ever ask for an unjust obedience (as a “father” I once knew had some of his children rob and loot, others to fence the stolen goods, still others to sell illegal narcotics in a wicked sort of “family business”). Children are not “property” of their parents but the responsibility of their parents. Children are part of God’s plan for us, His adopted children. May we be the best of children for God and for our parents. May our keeping God’s Commandments by God’s grace allow us to live holy lives glorifying the Lord.

God bless you!

Father John Arthur Orr