Confession Times
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From the Friars: Happy Father’s Day!
A law recently passed by the New York State legislature would replace the words “mother” and “father” with “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent” respectively, in laws dealing with family matters. A similar 2019 French law used the terms “parent 1” and “parent 2.” As we celebrate Father’s Day today it can be an occasion to reflect on the significance of the concept of fatherhood for the truth of the human person.
In a way, “father” is the most important word in human language. Its different forms are amazingly similar across various linguistic families. Many language scholars believe it has its origin from the first babbling that comes out of an infant’s mouth. This often sounds like “pa” or “da”. Father means “source” or “origin,” our beginning point. But it expresses not only where we come from but also where we are going. It is the answer to the most essential questions and mystery of our existence.
In the Old Testament our Creator revealed Himself as being like a father. In the New Testament we have been shown that He is a father, the Father Who begets His Son from all eternity. Jesus reveals to us the fullness of the mystery of the Father. The whole purpose of the universe and our being is to share the life of God as His adopted children in Christ. The plan from the beginning is that all angels and men and women, indeed all of creation, would return to its source, to the Father, in the Son. (Eph 1)
The Creation of Adam (detail), by Michaelangelo, CC. link.
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The so-called Enlightenment sought to eliminate any reference to the source or ultimate meaning of things and focus on their utility, on how we can use creation for our benefit here and now. These chickens are coming home to roost. We have made incredible advancements in technology but at the price of knowing who we are.
Human fathers and mothers participate in Divine Fatherhood, each in their unique manner. Both share, in a limited way, in being the origin of new life.
As we honor our earthly fathers today, may the Holy Spirit inspire in us the grateful cry of the Son, “Abba, Father!”
And may all God’s children come to discover the greatness of their true identity and destiny. Amen.
Fr. Peter