Feast of the
Presentation of the Lord
ROOTS AND WINGS
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the
favor of God was upon him. – Luke 2:40
On June 15, 2013, 17-year-old
Ethan Couch stole two cases of beer from a Walmart store and drove away with
seven passengers in his dad’s pickup truck. An hour later, he was thoroughly
drunk.
Meanwhile, Breanna Mitchell
was stranded on a rural road with a stalled vehicle. Several people who were
nearby came out to help. All of a sudden, Couch’s car swerved off the road and
plowed into them, killing four people and injuring two others.
The case was brought to court
and resulted in a landmark verdict. Couch was given a light sentence because
his lawyer argued he is a victim of “affluenza” – having wealthy, privileged
parents who never set limits for him.
Is affluenza
real? The term highlights the issue of parents who provide for their children’s
material needs but fail to equip them to become responsible adults.
In our quest to provide the
best for our children, let us not forget to form their characters as well. Let
us ground them with good Christian values while young so they will have wings
to bless the world when the time comes. Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)
Reflection: Do not just work to provide your kids with “loots and
things.” Love them and guide them, so you can give them “roots and wings.”
(Denis Waitley)
Loving Father, teach us what to give and what to withhold from our
children. Give us the virtues we need to lead them by word and example.
St. Joan de Lestonnac, pray for us.
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