Divine Appeal Reflection - 225
Today, consider in Divine Appeal 225: "No one goes to perdition without his own consent. So many still in their childhood years are heading to perdition through the fault of their parents no longer wanting to be concerned about My Eternal Father. The demon is disposed to mislead all souls."
Our Adorable Jesus warns that many children, even in their earliest years, are being led toward eternal perdition due to the negligence of their parents. In a world increasingly indifferent to God, many parents prioritize worldly success, comfort, and entertainment over the eternal welfare of their children (cf. CCC 2221). They excuse themselves by saying children will “choose for themselves” when they grow up, yet they fail to realize that without proper formation in faith, their children are already being shaped by the godless influences around them (cf. Proverbs 22:6). Schools, media, and peers begin to fill the spiritual void, drawing children into moral confusion and sin.
Practical cases abound. A child raised without prayer and the sacraments easily absorbs the secular mindset that denies sin and rejects divine law. In some homes, parents actively discourage faith, scoffing at religious devotion and making church attendance a rare occurrence. Others remain passive, assuming occasional religious exposure is enough, unaware that their indifference teaches children that faith is optional. A teenager who has never been taught about our Adorable Jesus' Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament will see no reason to approach the Eucharist with reverence. A child who has never been formed in purity will grow into adulthood believing that chastity is unrealistic, embracing the moral decay of the culture (cf. CCC 2223).
The life of St. Monica illustrates how parents must respond. Her son, St. Augustine, was drawn into sin and false teachings, influenced by the world’s empty promises. Instead of surrendering to despair, she prayed constantly, wept for him, and sought spiritual guidance to win him back to Christ. Thus , when Augustine eventually encountered this heavenly grace, he was finally converted to become one of the greatest saints of the Church.In contrast, many parents today refuse to battle spiritually for their children. How many souls are lost because no one prays for them? How many parents are too distracted by modern comforts to recognize the eternal danger their children face? (cf. Luke 15:10).
The salvation of children is well -intentioned . Parents must recapture the role of being the first catechists: leading family prayer, teaching the truths of faith, and creating an environment characterized by holiness. Likewise, they must guard their children from evil influences, ensuring that they grow in love for our Adorable Jesus.Without this vigilance, the demon continues his work, misleading young souls before they even realize they are in danger. Every family must decide: will they guide their children to Heaven, or will they leave them exposed to the path of destruction? The choice is theirs, but eternity hangs in the balance (cf. Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
Prayer:
Our Adorable Jesus, in Your mercy, awaken parents to the sacred duty of leading their children to You. May we, through prayer and sacrifice, rescue young souls from the enemy’s grasp. Strengthen families in faith, that no child is lost due to neglect or indifference.
Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.
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