The first schoolroom
The 6th World Meeting of Families is going to be in Mexico January 16-19, 2009. But this VIS press release reports that Pope Benedict took the opportunity now to comment on its theme, “The family, educator in human and Christian values.”
“As the first school of life and of faith, and as a ‘domestic church’,” writes the Pope in his Letter, “the family is called to educate new generations in human and Christian values so as to forge in them – guiding their lives according to the model of Christ – a well-balanced personality. In such a vital task … it is important to have the support of the school, of the parish and of the various ecclesial groups that favor the integral education of human beings.”
“At a time in which there is often an apparent disassociation between what people claim to believe and the way they live and behave, this forthcoming World Meeting of Families aims to encourage Christian homes in the formation of an upright moral conscience.”
Though it may kind of wash over ears or eyes in its genial wording, it’s rather radical. People don’t live and behave according to what they claim to believe, an “often” and “apparent disassociation” that’s causing cultural disorder.
Okay….so here’s what to do, says Benedict. Work to have a well-formed conscience. Teach it to your families. And be connected with your church and school to reinforce that witness of being a moral citizen.
Didn’t we know this? It’s ‘back to the future’ time.
