Today’s Reading: Exodus 20:12 Version NIV
Children tend to make heavy demands on their parents. This creates exasperation and fights at home. Because of the fact that they were brought to this world without been consulted, they think they can demand all they want.

In fact, parents have a responsibility to provide child support, education and training in God’s ways and, therefore, the example of a consistent and loving life. On the other hand, God demands from children obedience and honor to their parents.

God, the Eternal Father, commands, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Parents and children have mutual commitments of love and loyalty. In such an environment, children will obey and honor their parents and parents will provide what children need in their lives.

That atmosphere of love and mutual respect is achieved when parents and children respect God, that is, seek to follow the eternal principles based on love and loyalty.

When we love God above all things, it is possible to love one’s neighbor, and there is no better “neighbor” than our children, or our parents.

Ildefonso Torres