Feeding the Children

There appears little artwork from the middle ages or the reformation in Europe that deals with communion or communal meals. But one theme is frequent in the art I've seen, the presentation of Mary and her child Jesus. Several paintings in the Louvre show an infant Jesus being fed at the breast of Mary. Maybe this is one of the ways people living in a harsh time had to celebrate the joy of birth and new life. Or maybe it was a way of remembering that the child is nurtured by God through the care and devotion of parents.
Paris is the place to come if you want to see children. It has the highest birthrate of any city in Europe, 2.0. Everywhere one looks they see baby carriages and young children. At places like Luxembourg Gardens and the park near the Eiffel tower children are busy playing under the watchful eye of a parent or nanny. This is a joyous scene, but deeper reflection brings sadness. Church attendance and participation are very low in this city. Though these children seem to get a good diet of food, fresh air, an education and recreation, they are not being nurtured in the communal life of the church. They aren't being fed a regular diet that would allow them to develop a sense of God in their world and their place in God's world.
Some would see this lack of commitment to the church on the part of new generations of parents as a result of the past sins of the church. Maybe so! But where will these young children turn when they grow up and face a world full of challenges? What songs and stories will nurture them and give them courage? What will call the to sacrifice and greatness? What will convince them that beyond life's greatest disappointments there is a resurrection, a renewal, a new life?
I fear those who want to provide the very best for their children are neglecting the holy habits and routines most important for a happy and successful life.