Honoring your Mother & Father

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Catholic : One Thread

In Pope John Paul II's Letter to Families dated 2/2/1994 he writes:"Honor your father and your mother," because for you they are in a certain sense representatives of the Lord; they are the ones who gave you life, who introduced you to human existence in a particular family line, nation and culture. After God, they are your first benefactors.". My question is, does he mean EVERYONE should honor their mother and father? How about those that are adopted? Since they are not permitted to know the names of their birth parents in some States and Countries, how can they honor "the ones who gave you life"? Did the Pope mean to say, EVERYONE, Honor your father and mother with the exception to those of you who are adopted? You are not quite equal.

-- joe collins (joeadoptpi@aol.com), July 03, 1998

Answers

I am quite sure that when the Holy Father speaks, he is indeed addressing everyone. I am not at all sure what you meant by the last sentence " you are not quite equal" I hope you do not mean it to be as insulting as it sounds to adopted people. I can't see why an adopted person can't honor both their biological and adopted parents. Even if you never get to meet them or know their name, could you not honor them by praying for them? Your biological parent chose not to abort you, rejoice! They chose to give you another chance, perhaps a better chance than life with them, again a reason to rejoice. I think you might feel some sense of gratitude. Pray for them and pray for others to make such wise decisions. That may be the best way to honor these folks. I think it also goes without saying that adopted parents who are truly the real parents in this situation should be given the fullest honor a child can give their parent....love them and honor them.

-- Connie Ostlund (sorka@teleport.com), July 04, 1998.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ