Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
One of the readers of the Mbuya Church Sunday Bulletin wrote to me. “I am a baptism father for one of my friend’s son. He is in primary one. I would like your advice on how fulfill my responsibilities.” Some people we bring into our lives have different motives. As we learn on this Palm Sunday, the same people who we trust. They praise us today may be the same people who seek for our heads the next day. As it happened to Jesus Christ, why should we presume that it might not happen to us?
Today is Palm Sunday, the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of the Holy Week. We commemorate the triumphant arrival of Christ in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified. The Holy Week has the greatest tragedy and sorrow of the year. Jesus’ return to Jerusalem is a lesson to us all to confront our fears for without challenges imagined or real, we cannot become triumphant. Jesus was arrested and tried just after the last supper with his disciples. He was then crucified at Calvary on Friday. He was buried the same day, and arose three days later, on Easter Sunday. This is the ultimate sacrifice for mankind by Jesus Christ for forgiveness of our sins, and for life everlasting with Him. Glory be to God.
Growing in Munteme Parish, where my Grandfather was an elder and former Catechist, I have fond memories of Lent and Easter festivities. The day of new clothes and lots of meat. That is what I thought until Grandpa had a one on one with my God Father, Mzee Michael Bagada, to support more my spiritual formation. From then on, Mzee Michael bought for me the Prayer book and asked me to always keep in my school bag. Every time he met me, He would ask to see my prayer book. Opens it and starts firing questions. That made me read it to understand. Thanks to my God Father, I learnt how to apply the 10 commandments, avoid the seven deadly sins, as well as how to live a meaningful life. Over the years, I have been asked by other Parents to be a God Parent of their Children. This is a critical role that you must take seriously.
As a God Parent, it is your responsibility to make sure your Child does not turnout to be a vagabond or useless person who lacks morals and self confidence.
You are a mentor for spiritual formation and up righteousness. In your role as a God Parent, you must be present in the Child’s life by attending all their major milestones including First Communion, up to their Marriage and beyond.
You want the Child to grow into a great Catholic Christian. Make sure the child attends masses at school and on Sundays. Teach them how to pray. Make sure you track their spiritual formation as they grow including supporting the child to attain all Sacraments. Attend as many family functions including visiting the child at school. Give them inspirational cards with Bible quotes to deepen their faith. Encourage them to read the Bible and join such discussion groups to deepen their faith. Be available at least once a month to mentor your God Child in spiritual matters. My God Parent had significant impact in my life.
He is the one who asked me to go join the alter boys at Church. This gave me confidence before audiences. He also taught me how to lead prayers. Later in my life as Secretary Institute of Corporate Governance, as well as Board Member in several companies over the years, I have been asked to say an Opening Prayer. And I always say one from the heart.
Parents must be careful when choosing people to God Father their children. You need someone mature with demonstrable understanding of the faith. Some people we bring into our lives have different motives. As we learn on this Palm Sunday, the same people who we trust. They praise us today may be the same people who seek for our heads tomorrow. As it happened to Jesus Christ, why should we presume that it might not happen to us?
A God Father cannot substitute the responsibilities of the biological father. You must continuously support your children to grow and mature in faith. If you are not yet ready in terms of commitment to be one’s God Parent, do not accept the responsibility. Have any question for me, contact me on Skype: mmugisa.
Bernabas M. Mugisa, Mr. Strategy, helps plant the seed of transformation. Visit mustaphabm3.sg-host.com to contribute to Mustapha’s new book, MagneticLove Secrets. Your opportunity to contribute to better marriages. Be part of a lasting impact. WhatsApp 0782610333.
