462. Are family bonds an absolute good?
(Comp 462) Family ties are important but not absolute, because the first vocation
of a Christian is to follow Jesus and love him: “He who loves father or mother
more than me is not worthy of me; whoever loves son or daughter more than me is
not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). Parents must support with joy their
children's choice to follow Jesus in whatever state of life, even in the
consecrated life or the priestly ministry.
“In brief”
(CCC 2248) According to the fourth
commandment, God has willed that, after him, we should honor our parents and
those whom he has vested with authority for our good.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 2232) Family ties are
important but not absolute. Just as the child grows to maturity and human and
spiritual autonomy, so his unique vocation which comes from God asserts itself
more clearly and forcefully. Parents should respect this call and encourage
their children to follow it. They must be convinced that the first vocation of
the Christian is to follow Jesus:
"He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he
who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" (Mt 10:37; cf.
16:25).
Reflection
(CCC 2233) Becoming a disciple of
Jesus means accepting the invitation to belong to God's family, to live in conformity with His way of life: "For
whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and
mother" (Mt 12:49). Parents should welcome and respect with joy and
thanksgiving the Lord's call to one of their children to follow him in
virginity for the sake of the Kingdom in the consecrated life or in priestly
ministry.
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