28- Be More Mature

Once during a teenager’s confession to me, he confessed his father’s sins instead of his own. He said, “Because of my father’s temper and violent behaviour, living in our house has become unbearable and I’ve become ill-tempered. He’s also caused much bitter suffering for my mother and sister. His temper is so bad, that even our friends have stopped visiting us altogether. What can I do?”

I really felt that the boy and his family were in need of guidance. I therefore asked him with a smile, “Whom do you think is at fault: yourself or your dad?”

He answered quickly, “My dad of course; everybody is a witness to that.”

I continued, “Don’t you believe that God can change your father’s behaviour?”

“I do believe,” he said.

I went on, “Have you discharged your responsibilities towards him? Do you pray for him? Do you beseech God every day to change him?”

 “No,” he replied.

 “You’re therefore not discharging your responsibilities towards him. Try to be maturer than him. Pray for him, meet his anger with a smile and offer him your love.”

The boy shook his head, promised to be maturer and to try carrying out my advice.

A few weeks later, he came to me with a big smile, saying that he had really felt the grace of God in his life as well as in the lives of the rest of his family. He said,

“Everything has changed. My dad is now very sweet, not only with me but also with my mother, sister and friends. I’ve learnt how to be more mature and how to absorb his anger with love and understanding.”

My dear young friends, this true story shows how mature youngsters can give love, even to their parents. They are in need of your love and your prayers just as much as you are in need of theirs.

One day we will all meet in heaven; we will all be brothers and sisters regardless of age. The only thing that matters is how great your love was during your life on earth.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: كن الأكبر!

My Saviour let me hear Your voice:

“Do not say, You are but a boy!”

 I have often belittled myself,

And thought that being a young boy absolves me of any responsibility.

 Many of us have children’s bodies, but grown-ups’ spirits,

And many are advanced in age, yet are spiritually inexperienced.

 My Saviour, may You live in my heart,

And may You grant it love through Your fiery Holy Spirit,

And may it not rest until peace reigns over the world, through You.

 Grant me the strength whereby I can worship You every day,

Asking that my weak soul be sanctified,

That the souls of all the members of my family be sanctified,

That the souls of all humanity - my real family - be sanctified.

May I die, and may all live.

May I suffer and may all live in peace.

May I carry shame, for the glorification of all.

My Car Destroyed, I Filled with Happiness

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

A Little Girl Saving her Parents