Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
(Nehemiah 8:1-4a.5-6.7b-12; Matthew 18:1-5.10)
Out of sync with his time, Jesus championed children. Others marginalized children regarding them as foolish adults after sever years of age. Jesus, however, valued their confidence in God and demanded that they be duly
cared for. In today’s gospel he referred
to God’s assignment of an angel to safeguard each child’s welfare.
In contemporary times children are protected with
rights. But oddly, modern protection sometimes
has undermined the responsibility of parents and even jeopardized children’s
welfare. Parents with the assistance of health
professionals should determine the medical care children need. Nevertheless, adolescent girls in many places
are given birth control drugs without parental permission. A few jurisdictions likewise allow adolescents
to receive puberty blockers in cases of gender dysphoria.
Determining and providing what is good for children requires
prudence. Parents will hopefully develop
this virtue when the natural love they have for their children moves them to seek
learned counsel. We can offer prayerful support
to parents as they strive to do what is best for their children’s development.
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