Definitely watching someone whether she/he’s not
related to us when mistreated by someone is quite alarming and enraging, up to
the point that we feel like grabbing the one who’s harming the other. This is
natural reaction because at some point in our lives, we also offended/harm
others emotionally, physically. However, when we have already reached the stage
of forgiving ourselves and asked pardon for the injurious words/acts committed,
the initial reaction changes from harsh response to compassion, by allowing
insignificant others to learn from her/his mistake and amend ways.
It’s heartbreaking to witness such an act of a
daughter hurting her own father. But there are also parents who mistreat
helpless children. If we’ll check the
past, perhaps we have not committed violent acts but we’ve also wounded others,
by gossiping which gradually derails one’s emotions, irrational handling of a
situation which causes split up of friendships, ruins siblings’ good rapport,
terminates schoolmates’ camaraderie, etc.
The Catholic Teaching About Honoring Parents
The fourth commandment says, “Honor your father
and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God
gives you” (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16).
The Lord Jesus Himself reminds the strength of
this "commandment of God" 6 (Mark 7:8-13). He Himself obeyed His
parents, Virgin Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:51)
Likewise, the Apostle teaches: "Children,
obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and
mother,' (This is the first commandment with a promise.) 'that it may be well
with you and that you may live long on the earth."' (Ephesians 6:1-3;
Deuteronomy 5:16)
This commandment shows the people the order of
charity. God has willed that, after Him, everyone should honor parents to whom
everybody indebted life, who have transmitted the knowledge of God. Everybody
is obliged to honor and respect all those whom God, for everyone’s welfare, has
bestowed with His authority. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2197)
The fourth commandment is directed specifically
to children in relationship with parents, as this relationship is the most
common. It also involves the bond of relationship between members of the
extended family. This precept requires honor, affection, and gratitude toward
elders and ancestors. Lastly, it extends to the duties of pupils to teachers,
employees to employers, subordinates to leaders, citizens to their country, and
the overseers. This instruction includes and presupposes the obligations of
parents, instructors, teachers, leaders, magistrates, those who govern, all who
exercise authority over others or over a community of persons. (Catechism of
the Catholic Church 2199).
Following the fourth commandment provides a
reward: "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in
the land which the LORD your God gives you" ( Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy
5:16). Respecting this commandment provides, along with spiritual fruits,
temporal fruits of peace and prosperity. Conversely, failure to observe it
brings great harm to communities and to individuals. (Catechism of the Catholic
Church 2000)
REFLECTION:
Taken from the aforementioned, was there an
occasion at some point in your life that you turned to be insignificant towards
another, whether she/he's a family. member, schoolmate, colleague or
neighbor? How did you able to amend
yourself from this imperfection?
CAUTION:
PARENTAL GUIDANCE IS ADVISED AS THIS CONTAINS VIDEO THAT IS NOT SUITED
TO MINOR AUDIENCES
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