As a young seminarian back in the Philippines, about 17 years ago, I remember my Bishop saying: “It is important not to sin, and to not lead other to sin.” Do not sin, and do not lead other to sin.

I share this in the context of the Gospel we have this weekend, challenging us most especially to not cause children, the simple ones, to sin: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neckand he were thrown into the sea.”

How do we hinder children from coming to Jesus? How do we cause our very own children to sin? By far the biggest problem we see and experience is when parents do not take time to be together in church on Sunday and holy days of obligation. Now that the dispensation from Sunday obligation is lifted, and we have both our indoor and outdoor worship spaces available, I am glad to see more and more families gathering for the Masses especially at the school, family and youth Masses, and whenever they line up together as family for confessions. Here at Saint Raymond’s under the initiative of the Knights of Columbus and the Bands of Brothers, we have recently launched the National Family Rosary every Thursday evening. It is my prayer that we will see more families setting aside intentional time for Church and devotions, particularly now that sports events are back, talents and skills developments are offered again, sleepover or simply sleeping in is very enticing after a long school and work week. Nothing is more important than being in the Lord’s house on the Lord’s Day. To keep that day holy, to hold it sacred, means to not let anything else interfere with it. It means being in church, with your children, so you all together can hear God’s Word, and gladly be nourished by it. When you do that, you are being faithful to your responsibility as parents. If you do not, you are hindering the children from coming to Jesus who wants to bless them and embrace them, and hence fail in your responsibility.

What happens in the home is also very important. Are the children being taught the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer? These are the basics, and the children need to learn the catechism first in the home, from infancy up, and parents are their primary catechists. We recognize that this is easy, with the many responsibilities you have, that is why we have our school religion teachers and faith formation catechists to empower you and to support you. Education begins at home, and the Church is dedicated to strengthening what the kids learn from you, their parents.

I have shared this at least once before, that when I was first told of my new assignment here at Saint Raymond’s, what immediately excited me was the school attached to the parish. I love kids, and looking at our students remind me of my 7 nephews and nieces I helped take care of back in the days (I feel so old already saying that). We owe it to them, as people they look up to (parents, grandparents, relatives, friends, teachers and clergy), to be there for them in their journey of faith as guide and example. And part of that is yes, literally bringing them here in Church before all else. Let us not be a cause or reason for them to sin. Instead, let us allow them grow in the faith because to these little children belong the Kingdom of Heaven. And our role is to help them get there.

Sono semipro grate,
Father Erick

(For 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time)