We need to reach out to God for help

What is wrong with our society that so many people, especially young people, are caught up in despair and misery?

In spite of a good standard of living, quite a number of lives are bedevilled with unhappiness, even tragedy, at times. Unhappy parents ask “where did we go wrong?”

Our hearts go out to decent young people whose lives are ruined because of over-indulgence in alcohol, perhaps killed or crippled for life in drink-associated traffic accidents, others perhaps hopelessly addicted to drugs. It is pathetic to hear of teenage girls faced with pregnancies in their immature years. Experts tell us that sexually transmitted diseases are increasing rapidly every year. Too many young suicides in our country, so very sad.

I believe these tragic failures in society go hand in hand with the strong decline in religious practice. When parents give up the practice of their faith they are in fact rejecting the best resource which guarantees happiness for themselves and their children. All parents wish and want to provide fulfilment in life for their sons and daughters, but what many do nowadays is to point to a way of life which will only engender no fulfilment, no happiness. Parents will teach their children good manners and how to be obedient and respectful but, concerning God, come Sunday and there’s no Mass. Instead just television, DVDs, computer games and shopping.

When crises and problems arise in life, as they do for most people, the loving God is the one who helps always. However, if contact has been lost it may be difficult, not impossible, to reclaim God’s help.

Fr Con McGillicuddy

Raheny

Dublin 5