This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day and we remember in a special way all that fathers do for their children. We are also encouraged to think about our spiritual fathers, our priests. In addition, we should also remember those fathers who are separated from their children due to military service obligations, work requirements, or for other reasons. Although separated physically, we pray that they will always keep their love for their children in their hearts.
Being a father is a great privilege and also a great responsibility. Fathers are challenged to set a good example for their children and to help prepare them for their lives as adults. This is especially important for fathers in these difficult and uncertain times when their children, especially teens, may face many temptations and trials which may influence their behavior.
Like Pope Leo, our late Holy Father Pope Francis had placed great emphasis and focus on fatherhood. As reported by media commentator Justin McClain, Pope Francis stated in one of his general audiences, “Without father figures, young people often feel ‘orphaned’, left adrift at a critical moment in their growth and development…fathers are necessary as examples and guides for our children in wisdom and virtue.”
As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, we are reminded that we are called to honor our fathers. There should be a desire to maintain a strong bond of communication with them and assist in their care in their later years, after the many years that they have cared for us in so many different ways. It is also suggested that we pray for them after their death. Our love for our fathers should reflect the love that God has for us. Many fathers have their share of trials and struggles, but they do their best within their human limitations to serve as mentors and guides for their children.
The following “A Prayer for Fathers”, provided by the media outlet “Catholic Prayers”, reflects the spirit of this day:
God our Father, we give You thanks and praise for fathers young and old.
We pray for young fathers, newly embracing their vocation; may they find courage and perseverance to balance work, family and faith in joy and sacrifice.
We pray for our own fathers around the world whose children are lost or suffering. May they know that the God of compassion walks with them in their sorrow.
We pray for men who are not fathers but still mentor and guide us with fatherly love and advice.
We remember fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love.
Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer and celebrate this day, we are invited to thank Our Heavenly Father for the gift of our fathers and the many blessings He has bestowed upon us.