“As a tender plant, though placed in fertile ground, will not grow straight or will otherwise come to grief unless properly cared for, so you, my dear sons, will develop wrongful inclinations unless you yourselves be guided by those who are responsible for you. Your parents and those who take their place are the guides to whom you owe total obedience. The Lord says, ‘Honor thy father and thy mother that you shall be blessed with a long life on earth.’ What does ‘honor’ mean? It means obedience, respect, and cooperation.

As to obedience, if you are asked to do something, do it promptly and without hesitation. Do not shrug your shoulders, shake your head, or — much worse — respond with insolence. Those who do that are doing great harm to their parents and to God Himself, Who, through them, commands you to do this or that. To teach us obedience, our Savior, though omnipotent, obeyed the wishes of the Blessed Virgin and Saint Joseph who practiced a humble trade. He died in agony on the cross in obedience to His heavenly Father.”

—St. John Bosco