(Editor’s note: Though written over 60 years ago it is amazing how the issues the authors address below are still pertinent today.)
Nazareth was an obscure and despised village; its people were regarded as inferiors. Yet such holiness was found in that small community that it became the place of the incarnation of the Son of God. Obviously, then, it is not so much where we live or what we do, but rather what we are that matters; especially is this so in spiritual things. Nor can it be said that in order to succeed spiritually we need material conveniences, comforts, and the encouragement and help of our fellows-relatives, neighbors and friends. Nazareth was not favored this way.
Surely God chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the strong, and the base and contemptible things of the world to bring to naught the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His sight (See 1 Cor. 1. 27-29).
There are various major delusions permeating society and families in our times. One of these has to do with the rearing of children. So many parents of our day, if they do not seriously neglect their children, go to the other extreme of overindulging them. The children must have everything that the parental purse can afford-and often more than that. They must have endless toys, playthings, amusements in the home and out of it; no work or special duties; they must be transported to and from the nearby school; teachers must treat them very gently and never think of administering any discipline no matter how much it may be needed at times; they must be carefree and not required to help around the home; somehow they must be put through high school and college and receive a diploma, even though after it all they cannot speak or write their own language correctly; and so on These parents say they want to do their best for their children. But the way of overindulgence of young people is not the best for them; it serves to make hothouse plants of them, soft and selfish. And we know what happens to hothouse plants when once exposed to the rough winds and storms, the cold and heat of the outer world.
No, it was not thus with the children, future men and women, who built our great country, or who built and spread over the world the Faith and Church of Christ.
Revs. Charles J. Callan, OP & John F. McConnell, MM, Spiritual Riches of the Rosary Mysteries, pp. 27-28 (1957).
