Father’s Day
Today is ‘Father’s Day’. We pray for all those who bear this distinguished title. Fatherhood is a very special vocation that carries enormous responsibilities. Jesus taught us to call God ‘Our Father’. He invites us to have a close, intimate and personal relationship with the One who is our Creator. Yes, we are invited to call God ‘Abba’ which literally means ‘Dad’. All fathers share in the creative love of God. We pray that they will be men of honor, faith and stability. There will be a special blessing for all ‘Dads’ at the Sunday Masses.
A father’s day story: A young boy had just gotten his driver’s permit and inquired of his father if they could discuss the use of the car. His father said that he would make a deal with his son.
“You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, get you hair cut and we’ll talk about the car.” The boy thought about that for a moment decided he’d settle for the offer and they agreed on it.
After about six weeks his father said, “Son I’ve been real proud. You brought your grades up and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I am real disappointed you haven’t gotten your hair cut.”
The young man paused a moment then said, “You know Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair and Jesus more than likely had long hair.”
To this his father replied, “Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?”
We are in the stormy season. We pray to be protected from hurricanes. In Florida we know from first hand experience how devastating storms can be, how much damage they can do. Over the last year or so we have been going through a financial storm. The financial downturn and crisis has turned our world upside down and has devastated and changed many people’s lives. We recognize that we cannot build a loving and fulfilling life on greed, risk and self interest. Our values have been built on sand and not solid foundations.
Every Sunday, everyday, we are invited by Christ to come to him in order to build our lives on solid foundations. The Eucharist is our daily, weekly, opportunity to put Christ at the center of everything: our choices, decisions and relationships.
Christ keeps us together, united, as family and friends when the going gets tough. We need the loving strength and support of one another. This need is answered at the Eucharist. Very few people, if any, escape storms, challenges and difficulties in life. Jesus invites us to come to him. He invites us to gather and listen to his word and be strengthened through the food of everlasting life.
If you are burdened, come to Christ. If you feel anxious or afraid, come to Christ. There is nothing magical about the Eucharist. Our personal storms and difficulties will not suddenly disappear. But through the Eucharist Christ holds us together, restores faith in ourselves and strengthens us to face the difficulties and challenges that lie ahead. The Eucharist reassures us that we are not alone!
- Fr. Gary Dowsey
