Feast of Saint Cyril of Alexandria

Good morning. Each of us has a legacy. Every one of us will leave behind a trace of having been here and it is up to us for the most part what that will be. The late Rosa Parks, the civil rights activist, summed it up as “Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds, will continue in others” and how true this is. We all leave footprints in the lives of others and as parents this is especially true. 

Although referring to false prophets, we read in today’s Gospel that Jesus said: “Thus you will know them by their fruits.” Although there is never any guarantee how our children will turn out, this line by Our Lord offers some understanding of how our children reflect our efforts as parents, and how the lifestyle of children in today’s culture reflect a growing disengagement of parents in the lives of their children. One of the weaknesses of current day families is spoiled, soft, permissive parenting. This should come as no surprise as the same lacking expectation for discipline, limits and self-determination are missing in our culture overall. 

We live in a culture of entitlement and immediate gratification, and this is reflected in how we live out our roles as parents. Saint Cyril whose life we recall today, and the lives of numerous other saints offer us examples how to make prudent decisions and it all begins with having God in our lives. Our children are products of what lies in our minds and in our hearts. The line from the Book of James comes to mind, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” We live in a culture which tells us that money, fame, and power will make us happy, and in pursuit of these things we often neglect to appreciate those things which offer us true happiness. True happiness and a legacy which will reflect this can only be found in making decisions as parents which reflect the presence of God in our lives. "Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" Godly children come from homes where God is present. Make a great day! 

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and work of Saint Cyril of Alexandria.