Scottish Catholic Observer

The vast majority of children in Scotland grow up in happy, loving families, and turn into well-adjusted adult. Because Families work, they have been essential social building block of human society since the beginning of recorded time. And as the recent synod on the family highlighted, many of the biggest problems facing Western society are down to the breakdown of the family. But the solution is not to have a state appointment guardian who can sit in judgment on a child’s parents.

This is part of a worrying trend that sees many people react to real and significant problems in modern society by declaring ‘the government has to do something.’ Ironically this has coincided with trust in politicians falling to an all-time low, yet too many people fail to realise the disconnect between saying ‘these people are useless, but they must do more!’

As is so often the case the Church, in its wisdom suggests a better way. As a society we need to support families more, not undermine them. Being a parent is tough, there’s no doubt about it, but there are few better ways of support than simply being there for family and friends who are parents, letting them know they are loved and that they are not alone. By being involved in the lives of one another, in our families and parishes we can help children be the best they can be.

All too often there is an urge to dissolve our responsibilities as citizens—even as loving Christians—to the government, to the council, but we have a responsibility to do all we can to help families grow and prosper. That doesn’t mean sticking noses into other people’s business, but by gently helping and nourishing those around us, even by such small things as offering a cup of tea and a chat.

As Pope Francis warned this week, the family is under attack now more than ever because of today’s culture of division that wants to break from and be free of all everlasting bonds and forms of solidarity.

In addition to defending and accepting the traditional form of marriage, the Holy Father said that this means people must be accompanied ‘and this also means wasting time. The greatest master of wasting time is Jesus. He wasted time accompanying, to help consciences mature, to heal the wounds, to teach.’

We build up the family, by living a Christian life of love, by taking the time to love and cherish parents and children. Not by passing laws.