Help for My Children in these Perilous Times

by Carmelite Sisters | July 4, 2012 12:02 am

Ask a Carmelite Sister

Dear Sister,

I have a question to ask you. I see a bleak future ahead of us in our country. I grieve over the loss of our traditional American values, slipping away one by one. What kind of a country am I handing over to my children?  What kind of advice, help, support, and tools can I give them that they may become and remain Godly persons of integrity and high moral character. Am I asking too much to want this for them?

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your heart-wrenching question. I can almost feel your tension and hear your words as they are spoken in a voice filled with concern.  And, yes, I do have a response to your question, because I have been asking the same question.

My simple answer comes straight from my heart.  It is an entirely spiritual answer, based on our Catholic faith.  Maybe my thoughts and reflections might seem too simplistic or not practical. But I assure you that they reflect 2,000+ years of Christian experience. That’s a lot of years!

In John 4:10, we read the following words spoken by Jesus, “If you only knew the gift of God.” I would like to repeat these words to you today, “If you only knew the gift of God.” It is this gift of God, this wonderful, life-changing relationship with Him, and blessed moments of real discernment in His presence that will give each of your children the tools to embrace, learn about, and stand firm in their faith.

Yes, I cannot emphasize enough how clearly this has come to me. Pass this along to your friends. They are called to learn more about true discernment and pass on this sacred tool to their children.

Don’t underestimate yourself as parent. The same God “Who has begun this good work in you (the raising of your children) will complete it unto the day of Christ Jesus.”


PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN

Father, we come to you today with open hearts and open hands.  Help us to understand that we are not alone, that you are with us at every moment. Please stir up the graces of their Catholic baptism and confirmation within the souls of our children.  Give all of us a greater understanding of and love for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.

I especially ask for the great grace of the gift of discernment for my children that they may distinguish in their very souls good from evil and pierce through the confusing morals and values of our society to the truth.

I also ask that our home become a sacred place, filled with your sacred Presence. May the holy angels surround our home, and may we all be covered by Our Lady’s mantle. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

Until next time,

Sister Laus Gloriae, OCD


Send your questions for Sister to asksister@integratedcatholiclife.org[1].

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[2]To learn more about the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, read their biography in the left-hand sidebar and visit their website (link provided at the bottom of the bio).

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If you hear God calling you to the religious life, I encourage you to visit their vocations page[3]. – Deacon Mike

Or for more information, please contact:
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Endnotes:
  1. asksister@integratedcatholiclife.org: mailto:asksister@integratedcatholiclife.org
  2. [Image]: http://www.carmelitesistersocd.com/Spirit/
  3. vocations page: http://www.carmelitesistersocd.com/vocation/

Source URL: https://integratedcatholiclife.org/2012/07/ask-a-carmelite-help-for-my-children/