Parents — guard your children against the devil in the media

Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 15, 2011
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: John 10:1-10 “I am the door of the sheep”
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Homily summary: This is Good Shepherd Sunday. Sheep dogs are smart. A border collie will count the number of fingers that the shepherd holds out, and know how many sheep are missing.

The twin apostolates of prayer and the education of young women are pursued by the Visitation Sisters of Georgetown. Are you searching for God’s calling? Consider a life with the Washington, DC.

The first shepherds of children are parents, and the next are grandparents, and also brothers and sisters. In a family that acts as a good shepherd, there are no “mistakes” or “surprises.” Among parents who are good shepherds, they are happy to have their little flock.

Conspiring over their souls

But beware, there are people out there conspiring to take away their souls. Don”t trust the media, stores, or government schools. Merchants use the media, such as TV, music and movies. They promote not love, but lust. Not healthy lives, but dirty ones. These efforts are designed to addict us, to trap our souls and take our money.

Maybe it”s time to get rid of the TV. In what concrete way has happiness and health been improved on TV? Media today depict as normal, a way of American life that is of violence against women, and  other evils. It is a “wink, wink” mentality that is preparing us for a life of evil, such as of hard core pornography.

Our children”s eyes are open, glazed over. They are slack-jawed in a TV-induced coma. The media first get into their eyes, then their minds. I talk as one who knows. In my day it was the Lone Ranger and Bugs Bunny.

Reinforced by grace

Our children”s lives need to be reinforced by grace; we need sanctifying grace and actual grace. It is important for families to pray, before meals, at bedtime, even after meals. What about the family rosary? We must go to Mass. We must be good shepherds. It has never been more necessary. It is not impossible for us to a good shepherd.