Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Happy Fathers Day To all you Dads, Grandfathers, God-fathers, and of course our spiritual Fathers, our priests, the fathers of our wider family, the Church.

However, today we most especially take time to celebrate, honor and reflect on own fathers who are priests in their own right. Yes, priests. Priests of the family home, the domestic church.

Just as Jesus calls men to the vocation of the priesthood to serve the Church, He also calls men to the vocation of marriage and family life. A husband and a father is called to serve and exercise his priestly ministry within his family.As fathers and priests of the home, with that call to serve, we have a responsibility to live a life that proclaims the Gospel values in all we say and do.

It is important to realize that as Christian parents, grandparents, and Godparents, we are the primary educators of our children in the Catholic faith. We are the ones to set the example of practicing the faith by regular participation in the sacramental life of the Church. We are the ones who were given the gift of faith at our Baptism. And we are the ones who have a responsibility to pass on that precious gift given to us by our Father in heaven. For sure, this is a daunting responsibility with all the pressures and attacks on family life that are present in today’s society, Being a father and grandfather myself, I know it is not always easy and full of joy. Serving others requires sacrifice. And sometimes there is sorrow and disappointment.

However, here is the Good News. Through our call to family life, God offers us the particular and special graces we need to carry out our responsibilities. Responsibilities that are both spiritual and physical. Graces to carry on even when our children are grown and maybe have children of their own.They never stop being our children.

God gives us compassionate arms and hands to reach out and comfort with a hug or a kiss when a child is hurt. Whether it be a scratch on the knee from a fall while learning to ride a bicycle. Or whether it be a child who is now an adult is suffering a deep hurt or your teenager who is struggling. He gives us words of wisdom to offer encouragement and instruction, whether it be coaching them on how to grip and throw a baseball. Or whether it be advice on what college to attend. Or the words of encouragement and instruction when they might be struggling with their faith. God’s graces are there to give us ears that truly listen. Listen when it’s time to just be still and hear what the child has to say. Whether it be a child’s request for more quality time with us. Or whether it be a child who is excited to tell us about that certain someone who is special in their life. All of us, both fathers and mothers, who are called to the vocation of married life, need to remember that our Father in heaven is showering us with graces and love.

He wants us to mirror that love and caring in our families. A patient, kind, and gentle love. Whether it be when hard firm decisions have to be made. Or whether it be showing true pride and joy in a child’s accomplishment.

 As I said earlier, today is a day to honor, celebrate, and remember our fathers, both living and deceased. Maybe a few tears will be shed for those who are no longer with us. I am sure that there will be many cards and gifts that will attempt to show our love and affection for the various types fathers in our lives.

But now, children of all ages, I have a suggestion for a gift that is much appreciated and lasting.

Give great joy to a father by simply saying thank you and I love you. Then continue to make him proud to be your father.      

Dn. Larry McDonald