Feast of Saint Benedicta Cambiagio Frassinello

Good morning. “For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” (Lk 6:38) One should not ignore the clear warning that Jesus provides in the Gospel for today. We might be tempted to look to this scriptural passage from a positive perspective and be inclined to take comfort in recalling all those good things we do. But too what we sometimes offer is far from being measured as goodness. As I read this morning’s Gospel and got to pondering over this particular verse, the question of how we might measure our success as parents occurred to me. In thinking about this question I was drawn to the book of Proverbs and reminded of the many things it offers regarding this question of measuring the outcome of our parenting. I was reminded particularly of the first line from Proverbs 10, "A wise son makes a father glad; a foolish son is a grief to his mother." It occurs to me that most of us parents think that we have done a good job and those in the earlier stages of parenting likely feel they are doing a good job. Just as we are inclined to reflect upon our positive side in responding to today's Gospel verse, we are likewise inclined to look to the positive side of our job as parents. But then, I guess the true measure of the question is dependent upon what is truly important, the endgame. But there again, as in evaluating the worth of any job, what determines the measure of its worth? There are certainly the basics of feeding, clothing, educating, and protecting our children. Yet, there are variations of how we might measure these things, depending upon where we find ourselves in the varied layers of the socio-economic stratosphere. Or perhaps, successful parenting is measured by the unconditional regard and love we provide that helps guide them into being productive and conscientious adults. Here too there seem to be some variations on the theme. So, how in the end do we measure parental success? As I pondered this question further, it occurred to me that the answer to ‘how’ we measure success as parents is provided to us in the beginning. The answer to what truly measures our success as parents is found in the very intent that has been there from the beginning. Yes, the true measure of the question to whether we have been successful is dependent upon what we determine is truly important, the endgame. God made us in His image (Gn 1:26), and so the ultimate measure of successful parenting is in having children whose lives reflect God’s intentions for us. Make a great day!

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and works of Saint Benedicta Cambiagio Frassinello.