This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Most Holy Trinity. In many ways, this feast is a mystery concerning God’s unconditional love for us. God the Father loved us so much that He sent His Son into the world to save us. God the Son loved us so much that He died for us. God the Holy Spirit loved us so much that He filled us with wisdom and understanding. This Trinitarian love is a love that we strive primarily to experience rather than explain.
We also celebrate Father’s Day and we remember in a special way all that dads mean to their children. Being a father is a great privilege and also a great responsibility. We are encouraged to remember all fathers, including those who are separated from their children due to military service, work or travel obligations, and for other reasons. Although separated physically, we pray that they may always keep a special love for their in children in their hearts. Many of our parishioners are also fathers. As parishioners and as fathers, we are invited to set a good example for our children and to help prepare them for lives as Catholic men and women. In addition, we remember our spiritual fathers, our priests, and especially Our Holy Father Pope Francis as he strives to shepherd our Church with a father’s love and compassion.
The following prayer called “A Prayer for Fathers” by Fr. Frank Pavone reflects our appreciation for our fathers:
Almighty God, you have taught us
that you are the Father of us all
and that all fatherhood takes its origin from you.
You protect us from evil and provide our daily bread.
You are strength and integrity, blessing and the font of life.
We thank you then, for our fathers.
Though human, they are also a reflection of you, Lord God.
They are a gift to us.We pray for all Fathers today.
May they realize the greatness of their vocation
and have the strength to live it without fear.
Forgive their sins, and keep their eyes raised up to you.
To those who still make this earthly journey with us,
give us the grace to love them as we should,
and to those who you have called from this life,
give a special place of honor in the heavenly kingdom with you,
the Father of all.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen
As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that our love for our fathers should reflect the Trinitarian love that God has for us. On behalf of our clergy and staff, I pray that all dads will truly enjoy their special day.