Starting with a prayer: St. Joseph, foster Father of the Divine Redeemer Jesus Christ, pray for us. Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and unto the ages of ages, Amen.
What does it really mean to be a father? Why is it so important? Using St. Joseph as our example, let’s explore these questions together. So, what is a father? Well, put as simply as possible, its a role uniquely ordained that draws upon the foundations of our faith, echoed throughout the scriptures and echoed by the teachings of early Church fathers and saints. Raising children is a vocation; just like the priesthood is.
A Divine Calling: Fatherhood in Scripture
Our journey begins with recognizing fatherhood as a divine calling, a sacred vocation entrusted to us by God Himself. In Ephesians 6:4, Saint Paul reminds us, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
In this verse, Saint Paul does more than offer guidance; he illuminates the sacred duty of fathers to be spiritual shepherds, guiding their children towards a life enriched with faith, moral discipline, and divine instruction. This divine calling acknowledges that fathers are not merely providers or protectors but also educators and spiritual mentors, tasked with nurturing their children's souls as they journey through life. It underscores the profound truth that fatherhood is not just a biological bond; it is a spiritual calling, woven into the very fabric of God's divine plan for the family.
The Spiritual Pillar of the Home
In the early Church, fathers were revered as the spiritual leaders of their households, akin to the shepherds of their families. Saint John Chrysostom, venerated in both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions as a Doctor of the Church and one of the 3 Holy Hierarchs reminds us that fathers should be the first priests in their homes. (Homily 21 on Ephesians) As fathers, we are called to lead our families in prayer, worship, and the study of sacred scriptures, fostering an environment of faith, holiness, and manliness.
The Power of Example: St. Joseph and Virtuous Living
Scripture teaches us to lead by example. Saint Augustine, a luminary in both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, emphasizes that our actions speak louder than words. "The best way to lead a good life is to be virtuous, not to talk about it." As fathers, we should emulate the virtuous life of Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, who provided loving care, protection, and guidance to his family. His unwavering faith in God's providence sets an enduring example for all fathers.
Consider the flight into Egypt, where St. Joseph led his wife, our blessed mother, and the infant Jesus out of harms way away from the reach of King Herod. A Father’s role is to protect his family, against all odds and by any means, while trusting in God to guide him along the right path.
Love and Discipline: A Balanced Approach
Fatherhood calls for a balance between love and discipline, mirroring our Heavenly Father's love and correction. Proverbs 3:12 reinforces this notion: "For the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." Saint Joseph's example of nurturing love and protective discipline offers invaluable guidance in this endeavor. There are plenty of times where as fathers we absolutely have to “lay down the law”, so to speak. I would say that ultimately however that is done should be done from a place of love for your children. Everything is a teaching moment when raising children to be good men and women. The amount of discipline should be proportional to the transgression and carried out within the boundaries of self control.
Seeking Guidance Through Prayer
We find solace in seeking the intercession of saints. Saint Joseph, the patron saint of fathers, is a powerful advocate in our journey. We may also turn to Saint John Bosco, who dedicated his life to the care and education of young people, and Saint Basil the Great, who championed family life and charity. Through their prayers and examples, we gain inspiration and guidance on our path as fathers. Don’t forget about the example we set through praying.
Praying with our children holds immense significance in the spiritual development of our families, and it is a responsibility that rests squarely on the shoulders of fathers. As the spiritual leaders of our households, fathers are called to set the example and foster a culture of prayer within our homes. Through family prayer, we not only communicate with God but also strengthen the bond within our families. It is in these moments of communal prayer that our children witness the depth of our faith, experience the power of collective supplication, and learn to turn to God in times of joy and adversity. By actively engaging in prayer with our children, we demonstrate that our relationship with God is not a solitary endeavor but a shared journey of faith and love.
A father's role goes beyond leading family prayers; it includes the sacred act of blessing his children. In the Bible, we find numerous instances of fathers bestowing blessings upon their children, often marking pivotal moments in their lives. Just as Jacob blessed his sons in Genesis 49 or as Jesus blessed the children brought to Him (Matthew 19:13-15), fathers today are called to impart their blessings—a heartfelt, spoken affirmation of love, faith, and hope—upon their children. These blessings serve as a source of encouragement, guidance, and spiritual strength, reinforcing the importance of the father's role as a spiritual guardian and nurturer. Through prayer and blessings, fathers not only lead their families toward a deeper relationship with God but also create a legacy of faith that transcends generations.
Fatherhood as Legacy
The beauty and responsibility of fatherhood are deeply rooted in the sacred scriptures and teachings of our faith. We have to be sure to recognize that the future of humanity passes through our families, guided by fathers who embrace their divine calling with love, faith, and unwavering devotion. By following the examples of early Church fathers and saints, we build a legacy of faith that will endure for generations to come.
Ending this blog with the words of Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." May we, as Christian fathers, be the guiding lights that illuminate our children's path toward God and eternal life.
St. Joseph, Ora Pro Nobis!
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