As parents, we strive to teach our children the virtues of life. Among them, the highest place for Christian parents should be to teach their children to walk in the ways of the Lord. The most appropriate of such virtues is embedded in the living of the 10 commandments.

Personally I would tell my daughter, that if she wants a long and happy life on earth, she has to fulfill the 5th commandment. Many are the times I have emphasized the need to honour parents because it is pleasing to God and will lead to eternal life. Our life on earth is a pilgrimage in preparation for eternity, which the Lord proclaims in the Gospel proclamation today. The Lord Jesus tells us that the entry to eternity is narrow. We, as sinful in nature as we are, need all the time we need here on earth to mature from the baby steps of life to a truly spiritual walk with God. In this sense, we need more time on earth to pre- pare fully to enter eternal life. What better way than honouring our parents to ensure a long life. Let us ask God to help us as we strive for holiness.

Prayer: Abba Father, help me enter through the narrow gate into your kingdom. Amen.