Meeting Notes: Saving From and Saving For [14th March 2026]

Date: 14th March 2026

Location: St. Mary’s Pope’s Quay, Cork, T23 P8ER

Context

We started with a time of adoration before entering into our reflections.

Bosch, H. (c.1505–1515) Ascent of the Blessed. Oil on panel. Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice. Available at: Wikipedia

Reflection Reading

Book: LEAD: The Four Marks of Fatherly Greatness – Devin Schadt

Pillar 3: Assume Your Authority (Embrace Charitable Authority)

Reflection #125: Saving From and Saving For (Page 300)

Notes

This reflection highlights how, as parents, we often focus on warning our children about the consequences of poor decisions. While this has its place, it is not enough on its own. Teaching only what to avoid does not fully form the heart.

We are also called to show what our children are meant for. The focus should not only be on saving them from harm, but on leading them towards something greater — a life with God, full of meaning, joy, and purpose.

When children understand the goodness and beauty of God’s plan, they are more likely to desire it freely, rather than simply avoiding wrongdoing out of fear.

Shared Thoughts from the Group

• One of the most profound reflections so far.

• We often focus more on the negative consequences of not following God than on the gift of following Him.

• The 60s and 70s were highlighted as a period of experimentation and deviation from tradition.

• We are called to avoid being judgmental, while still recognising that actions have real consequences.

• As Christians become a minority, we need to engage with others in a more gracious and compassionate way.

Personal Reflections & Final Thought

I found this reflection very profound and have been returning to it in different situations. Life today can feel demanding and complex. For me, the gift of faith provides a place to pause, pray, and process what I am going through. It gives me strength and confidence to move forward, prevents me from feeling isolated, and brings meaning to my trials. It also pushes me to be more charitable and forgiving. The inner peace it provides is something I am truly grateful for.

Reflecting on the 60s and 70s, I have spent years studying this period, especially the counterculture movement. What I once saw as cultural progress, I now understand differently. When I returned to the faith, I began to see that what is often called “culture” today was, in fact, rooted in a Christian worldview, and what emerged as counterculture was, in many ways, a move away from that foundation.

In the past, natural law, social expectations, customs, art, morals, and civil structures were more aligned and grounded in Christian values. There was a sense of coherence in how people understood life and their place in it. Today, many of these elements have become fragmented. What was once clearly understood as harmful is now often accepted, and sometimes even encouraged.

I also explored ideas such as spiral dynamics and integral philosophy, which suggest that increasing complexity and divergence in society is a sign of progress. While I once found this convincing, I now see it more as a form of disintegration rather than true development. When different parts of life move in conflicting directions without a shared foundation, it becomes harder for people to recognise what is truly good or harmful.

This is not always obvious to those experiencing it. I have met people who believe that major life decisions, even when difficult or damaging, were ultimately positive. In many cases, there are systems and supports in place that soften the consequences of choices, making it harder to see their full impact.

Because of this, focusing only on the negative consequences of not following God may not be enough. There are many factors today that prevent people from recognising those consequences clearly.

However, the beauty and goodness of following God remain powerful and visible. A life with God brings meaning, direction, and a deep sense of not being alone. It allows us to see our struggles as opportunities for growth, to develop virtue, and to treat others with dignity as children of God.

Perhaps this is where our focus should be — not only on what we are saved from, but on what we are saved for. A life lived with God is not simply about avoiding harm, but about receiving a gift: a life filled with purpose, peace, and hope.