How We Learn To Be Good

Romans 14:7 (Jerusalem Bible 1966)

“The life and death of each of us has its influence on others”

This verse is the definition of being a good parent.  A good parent gives all to provide for their children. A good parent strives to teach their children the difference between right from wrong. A good parent wants what is best for their children when they are young and when they are grown.

The African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” holds the truth of this verse, especially in today’s world. The parent’s home is where we learn our first and most important lessons.  In a virtuous home, we are born to what is good and just. Sadly for some, goodness must be learned outside the home. This is why it takes a village. Learning to be good, when we are not born to it, is taught by the village.

It takes a lot of courage for those in the village to be a positive influence to others. In today’s world, the village is expected to let people live in their own interpretation of life, morality, and virtue. It is through example that the village teaches. Our goodness and love of our faith is an example to the world. This is where we teach the most important lessons.

So I would like to introduce a word that most of us probably don’t use everyday - edification. Edification is the lives of the saints. It means to instruct a person morally or intellectually. Christians are called to be a village. We are called to edify others as parents and as the village.

Prayer:

Almighty God, 
Give us the grace to be examples through our daily acts and our lives. Let all we do be an example of Christ’s love in the world. 

We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit are One God, eternal. Amen