The proud parents of a newborn listen intently as the priest presents their baby to God during the 40 day blessing.   Overwhelmed by the responsibility, they are eager to rely upon godparents, family and friends for encouragement along the way.  

Throughout the elementary, middle school and high school years we watch our children develop and grow.  It seems like yesterday when we were pushing them on the swing set, and before we know it, they are preparing for their SAT tests, driving and heading off to college.  

In this ever changing and challenging task of parenting it is important to stop and reflect on our families’ priorities. 

Indeed, we want our kids to receive the best possible education whether choosing a public, private or home school environment. We cheer on our kids through multiple sports, music or other activities of interest.

Take a moment to consider the time your family members spend preparing for music lessons, participating in after school sports and drama, and the hours of time at baseball, soccer and Lacrosse tournaments throughout the year.  Now, pause for a moment to see how much energy is given toward your children’s spiritual life.

Indeed, God’s holy Church and church community can play a critical role in the raising of children.  Our Lord, our Church and our community  “CAN and WILL” play a essential role, as much as we as parents take responsibility, guide and focus attention on prioritizing a relationship with our loving God and our involvement in the life of the church. 

What does this entail?  It starts with a commitment to Sunday morning worship and prioritizing our children’s religious education.   It begins with centering our lives on Christ, not squeezing in a prayer here and there.  We can’t have the “maybe we’ll go to church on Sunday” attitude.  We must replace it with, “We’re going to church and participating in OASIS classes every Sunday morning!”   Our church family will flourish if in fact we have committed parents behind every child, encouraging them daily (not just sometimes) to live a life guided by the Holy Spirit.

Truly, it is our example of faith and love that will have the greatest influence on our children.  How are WE prioritizing God?  How are WE responding with love, patience and kindness toward our spouse and family members daily?  How are WE an example of prayer and faith inside the walls of our home?  How are WE living out the message of hope and actively seeking to serve God and one another?

Jesus gives fullness of life not just to a chosen few but to each and every person who desires to receive it!  Indeed, it requires a commitment and a willingness to run the race as athletes for Christ.  Let us be a team who encourages one another, who walks side by side, helping each other to grow in our faith and love.

Let us rejoice by the words of St. Innocent of Alaska, as he addresses Christ as our hope and redeemer.  

“By His way of life Christ showed us how to live to attain salvation. And He also assists us constantly in everything good. By His most precious blood Jesus washed away our sins and made of us children of God, who were slaves of passions and the devil. Those torments we, as transgressors of the will of God, would have had to suffer, He bore for us. By His death He crushed the power of the devil, destroyed the power of hell, and delivered us from death. By His resurrection He gave us life and opened the gates of Paradise to all. Therefore, death is no longer an irreversible tragedy but a passage from this temporary world of vanity and sorrows to the world of bright and joyous life. By His ascension into heaven Christ glorified our nature, enabling us to share eternal bliss with the angels and all the heavenly creatures.  It is impossible fully to comprehend and to describe all the benefits that the Lord has prepared for us. Let us just say that all who choose to believe in Him and to live a Christian life will become sons of God, will attain Paradise, where the angels and the just reside, and will see God face to face. They will rejoice with a pure and eternal joy, knowing no weariness, sadness, or troubles.

It is so wonderful that Jesus Christ gives these benefits not to a chosen few but to each and every person who desires to receive them! The path to salvation has been shown and arranged; it has been made as smooth and level as possible. Besides this, Jesus Himself constantly helps us along the way, so to speak, leading us by the hand. It only remains for us not to oppose Him, not to be obstinate, but to surrender ourselves to His will. So you can see how much Jesus Christ loves us and what great blessings He is bestowing upon us!

Let us consider for a moment what would happen if Jesus were to appear before us now and ask: "My children! Do you love Me for all that I have done for you and do you value those blessings that I bestow upon you?" Who among us would not answer Him: "Yes, Lord! I love You and am grateful to You!"

For Orthodox Christians, every day is dedicated to God. Our earthly concerns must always be secondary to our spiritual concerns. This is what our children must see and experience always. Let us take up the challenge to realign our priorities and place as our ultimate priority daily prayer and worshiping the true and living God together as a church community.

With this, I urge you all to come faithfully to church each week and participate fully in the life of our Holy Apostles community.  Truly, your children will be blessed by your faith-filled commitment.