God Bless Our Fathers-June 18, 2023
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June 17, 2023God Bless Our Fathers-June 18, 2023
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As Church we are always looking for ways to encourage our families: husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, and children. It is because we believe that the vocation of married people is special; it is integrally linked to God’s plan in many wonderful ways. This has always been clear to us from the very beginning; just re-read the Book of Genesis.
I know that the Book of Genesis has received a lot of negative publicity in recent years. Cleary, it opposes much current thinking. On the other hand, perhaps in years past some interpreters have misrepresented this treasured text. Nevertheless, this segment of the Word of God continues to reveal to us profound truths from the mind of God on the value of life, the dignity of man and woman, the body, and the foundation of marriage itself. These truths cannot change. They are eternal. Some may teach differently, but the truth remains the same down through the centuries.
Prophetically, St. Pope John Paul II made clear the mind of the Church about these matters. To those serious about examining the believer’s view of Genesis there is nothing better than the late pope’s Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body, which he presented to the whole world at the beginning of his pontificate. This tremendous work has been re-translated by Michael Waldstein and published by Pauline Books. In addition, there is the helpful commentary, also published by Pauline Books, entitled Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West.
In short, Christians, taught by the Word of God made flesh, treasure fathers. Many men have received the holy vocation to be husbands and fathers. In this context they are called to holiness, and they become instruments and means of holiness as they diligently and devotedly work to bring salvation to their wives and children.
God desires holy fathers. God, the Father, gently reveals Himself as the Father of fathers. St. Joseph, the patron of fathers, is a model of holiness. Let us pray for many holy fathers. We thank our fathers on this special day for all that they do for us, and we pray that all fathers will recognize the dignity of their calling and have the strength to live it courageously in our difficult times. God’s grace and love will always be enough for all those who call upon Him.
Yours in the Lord,
Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
