THIS feast definitely reminds us about the very crucial role the family plays in the development of a person and of society in general. In fact, it plays a truly important role in the development of the Church.
Because of this, we need to realize that there’s a certain urgency to make the family today an effective center of formation. With all the growing developments and complicated challenges of our times, we cannot afford to sit pretty and just allow blind fate to take its course. We have to take the bull by the horns.
We cannot deny the fact that many people have inadequate, if not erroneous understanding of what the family and its closely related institution of marriage are. In the US today, for example, they are now legalizing and are openly promoting the so-called same-sex marriage and open marriages.
It’s no wonder that we have many broken marriages and dysfunctional families nowadays with matching complicated consequences. Of course, the recourse to divorce does not solve the problem. It can even make things worse.
Everything has to be done to address this fundamental problem. And all the subsidiary institutions and offices—the Church, government, schools, NGOs, etc.—should lend a hand.
Continuing formation and evangelization about marriage and family has to be pursued without letup. Of course, the Church can take the lead in this, but this can be done also by many other people in the secular field. In this regard, the laity should also take a lot of initiative, since this matter concerns them more than the clergy, and they have the experience and the competence to talk about this matter.
For one, couples planning to marry should be made to realize clearly that their marriage brings with it the duty to make their family the basic center of formation for their children. They should be prepared and equipped to carry out this delicate duty.
As the basic center for formation, the family that is led by the parents should know how to lay the foundations of the human virtues and the life of faith and piety of the children. It should be well-versed with the doctrine of faith and the traditions of piety so that as early as possible the children would have the right attitudes and outlook in life.
Parents, for example, should know how to distinguish the different characters and temperaments of their children as well as how to motivate each one of them as he or she is. For this, parents may need some basic training themselves which can be offered by the parishes and schools, and even public and private offices.
Parents should be ready by acquiring the necessary competence to face the modern challenges of raising children, especially the teen-agers, today. They must know how to run a home, how to be good administrators of money and the things of the house, how to understand the character of the children, how to get the children improve in their individual behaviours, etc.
Parents should know how to inspire their children to pray and work, to develop virtues and the skills in dealing with pressures and temptations around. A clear plan of formation should be articulated with due diligence such that in time a certain healthy family life and culture are established.
Parents should realize that their own formation is also something they should take care of. They have to update themselves regarding marriage and family life through an ongoing plan of formation. In this, they can also take initiatives, with the help of other parents and other experts, to organize classes, talks and chats for this purpose.
The important thing to remember is that the family is made an effective basic center of formation for the children.
Majoring the minors
In today’s complex world, the ability to shift our perspective and comprehend the intricate links between different elements is a skill that is highly valued and often sought after. It involves the art of making major things minor and vice versa, which enables us to grasp the underlying connections, especially if we examine the concept at an intellectual level.
Shifting our attention from what seems significant to the less conspicuous elements can unveil hidden intricacies. Understanding complex systems often relies on pinpointing minor components that play vital roles in shaping the whole. For instance, in ecosystems, focusing on the roles of seemingly insignificant organisms can give us a deeper understanding of the overall dynamics, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life itself.
Exploring the minute aspects of a specific phenomenon can offer insights that apply to broader contexts. By observing details and patterns, we can identify commonalities that exist across different levels. In technological developments, for example, understanding the intricacies of nanoscale structures has paved the way for significant advancements, enabling us to manipulate materials and create groundbreaking innovations.
Conversely, giving prominence to minor elements can open up new dimensions in our understanding of complex situations. Recognizing the significance of seemingly trivial details can uncover hidden meanings and bring about paradigm shifts in various fields. For instance, exploring marginalized voices and overlooked events in historical research allows us to challenge dominant narratives and gain a more comprehensive understanding of past events.
By shifting our focus from the expected to the unexpected, we challenge our preconceived notions and deepen our intellectual growth. Perceiving what is typically minor enables us to question and reevaluate societal norms, biases, and long-held assumptions. This approach plays a crucial role in fields such as sociology, gender studies, and philosophy, where it is essential to critically examine deeply ingrained beliefs that may hinder progress and social transformation.
Adopting the approach of making major things minor and vice versa facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic problem-solving. By looking beyond the confines of individual disciplines and integrating diverse perspectives, we can explore complex issues from multiple angles. This integration of knowledge enhances our ability to tackle multidimensional challenges and arrive at innovative and comprehensive solutions.
The ability to shift priorities and focus our attention on overlooked aspects fosters creativity and new ways of thinking. By challenging the conventional hierarchy of importance, we break free from conventional wisdom and explore uncharted territories. This mindset shift assists artists, writers, and innovators to produce unique creations that offer fresh perspectives and reshape existing narratives.
Embracing the art of making major things minor and vice versa enriches our intellectual capacity by encouraging us to perceive the world from different angles. In doing so, we unlock hidden connections, challenge assumptions, and expand our problem-solving abilities. This approach fosters creativity, enables interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributes to our understanding of complex phenomena. Say, can we apply this to the deeply-rooted culture of corruption in our country? Yes, for sure. Come on and let’s do it.