"Let us then not consider how to leave our children rich, but how to leave them virtuous. For if they have the confidence of riches, they will not mind aught besides, in that they have the means screening the wickedness of their ways in their abundant riches. But, if they find themselves devoid of the comfort to be got from that source, they will do all so as by virtue to find themselves abundant consolation for their poverty. Leave them then no riches that you may leave them virtue. For it is unreasonable in the extreme, not to make them, whilst we are alive, lords of all our goods, yet after we are dead to give the easy nature of youth full exemption from fear. And yet while we are alive we shall have power to call them to good account, and to sober them, if they make an ill use of their goods. But if after we are dead we afford them, at the time of the loss of ourselves, and their own youthfulness, that power which wealth gives, endless are the precipices into which we shall thrust those unfortunate and miserable creatures, so heaping fuel upon flame, and letting oil drop into a fierce furnace. And so, if you would leave them rich and safe whial, leave God a debtor to them, and deliver the bequest to them into his hands. For if they receive the month themselves, they will not know even who to give it to, but will meet with many designing and unfeeling people." (St. Chrysostom, Homily VII).
May we as parents always remember today the importance of what we leave with are children is much more than riches or successes. But that we would wish on our children virtue as they grow up into the knowledge of the Lord.
Grace and peace to you today as you teach your children to be virtuous.
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