THE VIEW FROM RIZAL

When my eldest daughter was nine years old, she asked me this question:

“Dad, why is there an All Saints Day?”

I was not ready to answer that question. My mind raced back to my days in Marist School, hoping to recall what our teachers may have taught us in Religion class regarding this particular Church celebration. Failing to retrieve the needed information from my mental data bank, I decided to simply answer my daughter’s question this way:
“To remind us that we can be saints if we want to.”

I remember the look of dissatisfaction on her face. My curt answer merely stoked her curiosity, making her ask a second question:

“Dad, why is there an All-Souls Day?”

Again, I had no ready answer. I could not remember our Religion teacher explaining the reason behind this celebration which follows All Saints Day. So, I decided to go for another curt answer which, I hoped, would put the matter to rest. My answer was:

“To remind us that we have souls.”

Again, a dissatisfied look appeared on her face. I knew my daughter wanted a more profound, meaningful answer to her questions. She wanted to understand better a subject matter which, at that time, was truly important to her. Since then, she would never again bring up a “religious” subject matter. 

When I remember that particular moment, I would always wonder, did I miss a golden opportunity to provide my child with “religious education” at home? I also would wonder if “religious education” is a parental duty and obligation or a task better left to the Church, priests, pastors, nuns, catechists, and campus ministers. Should parents treat this matter the way we do regarding sex education – leave it to our children’s biology teachers to discuss it with them?

A number of Church and parenting experts whose articles we came across say that parents have an important role in the development of spirituality in their children. They cite the advantage of having a “religious life” in the family, noting that certain research findings tend to show that such families enjoy better relationships between parents and children, and among siblings.

My view is that I am better off not attempting to “teach” my children “religion.”  Parents like myself do play an important role in the development of spirituality or of a “spiritual perspective” among my children. The role is not so much to “tell and teach.” My role is to be an example, a source of encouragement, and – when possible – to be the go-to person for explaining certain aspects of my faith.

Encouragement. Explanation.

In a way, this constitutes my observance of the counsel from the book of Proverbs: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

In hindsight, my response to my daughter’s two questions may have been my own reminder to myself regarding my personal spiritual life. My view is the two answers may have been some of the best instructions on faith that I have received, both from my own parents and my religion teachers.

It is important for me to be reminded that “becoming a saint” is a valuable goal.

It is important for me to be reminded that I have a “soul.”

The goal of “becoming saints” gives life – with all its joys and sadness, triumph and suffering, successes and downfalls – a deep meaning. It brings one to a realization that we exist for a higher purpose and that the best version of ourselves is the one that proves we are “made in the image and likeness of God.”

Meanwhile, it is good to be reminded that one has a “soul.” There is a part of our being that has been imbued with reason and with the ability to make decisions, including decisions as to what is right and what is wrong. There is a part of our being that will not die and which – according to our religious instructions – will face judgement someday.

These two reminders help one take good care of one’s life; make sure it is not wasted; and ensure that one follows a specific direction that would bring him or her to one’s most important goal, whatever that might be.

As we visit our departed loved ones in cemeteries and memorial parks today and tomorrow, let us reflect on these two important reminders. We can be saints. We have a soul.
I wish everyone a meaningful observance of All Saints Day and All-Souls Day.

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