The next generation strikes back

Today’s first reading (2 Samuel 15:13-14; 16:5-13) gives us a classic example of a rebellious child, as Absalom leads a coup against his father King David.

This was neither the first nor the last instance of a child rebelling against a devout parent. This heartbreak affects many churchgoers today.

In the case of King David, he was devoted to God and he could show great affection to his children, but he also had committed terrible sins that touched his family deeply.

One also must imagine that the division within David’s family, common at that time and place, may also have contributed to the horrific sibling conflicts that preceded Absalom’s rebellion.

One must be clear, of course, that no sin of David nor any structural problems of his family life should excuse Absalom from his own crimes, especially since he was an adult by this time. Parents have responsibility for the raising of their children, but they cannot control free will.

We must love our children. We must teach them well, by what we say and also by what we do. And above all, we must pray for our children, that despite whatever faults we have, they may draw closer to the Lord and be his heralds and instruments of grace for the generations yet to be born.