Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”(RSVCE). The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that parents are the primary educators of their children (CCC, 2223). As parents, we have “a grave responsibility” to train up a child by godly example (CCC, 2223). Such things as going to mass, praying, and modeling Christian virtues demonstrate Catholic holiness. Our homes are where “tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service” [thinking of others’ interests first] are to be experienced (CCC, 2223). How our children relate to their siblings, to our evangelizing of them in the faith, are in our charge. As we train up a child by modeling our faith we show obedience to God. This demonstrates to our children how to follow God’s law with their own lives (CCC, 2219, 2222).
Holiness in Return
When we train up a child in these ways, the Catechism states that our children will contribute to our “growth in holiness” as parents (CCC, 2227). Grandchildren will be our “crown” in latter years. Respect from our children will fill our homes with “light and warmth” (CCC, 2219).
Don’t Despair
When we raise children in the faith but they leave or choose not to live according to Church teachings—don’t despair. Be like St. Monica who prayed for years for her very sinful and wayward son, Augustine. Augustine not only became a canonized saint but a Doctor of the Church to boot. We are to continue to pray for our children never losing hope or trust in God. Proverbs 22:6 is a reminder to us that as we train up a child – when old – they “will not depart” from what they’ve been taught.
