The idea of a father figure in the Roman Catholic Church is a strong one. You have the big guy, God, of course, as the figurative and literal father. Then you have Jesus who led His followers as a father leads children. You have the scriptures which talks about God as a shepherd with his flock, finding even one lost sheep. Then you have Joseph, the carpenter and the stepfather to Jesus. In the present day, the Pope acts not only as the head of the church but also as a fatherly figure, guiding us spiritually. This roll also trickles down to the cardinals, bishops and priests.
The fact is throughout the bible and the Roman Catholic Church there are examples of Christian fatherhood. The ideal for these examples is a good, loving, concerned father who may at times seem stern, but always has love for his children in his heart.
This father’s day, why not celebrate the man who is at the corner stone of family life, spiritual life, community life – your father or step father or grandfather or any man that acted as a father would.
Here are some ideas of what to do to celebrate this man:
- It sounds simple but how about a meal out, or a breakfast, or a cup of joe at his local haunt, all on you. It would be nice if he liked that restaurant with the stylish chef but if he loves his local diner, take him there. It’s his day.
- Does he fish, hunt, golf? For a twist on the typical equipment gift, why not give him an off day. For instance, tell him you’ll tackle the next Saturday project at his house so he can take the day and do whatever he wants to do.
- Forget Mother’s Day breakfast in bed, give him breakfast in bed – and don’t serve the plain wheat toast and decaf. Make it decadent – real eggs, real butter
The message here is to really take time and think about how to celebrate this man. What would he really want? Be honest. If he just wants four hours to himself to be a guy and not on his best behavior at tea time in some plush hotel, then let him have his time. He’s worked hard to make you what you are, give the guy a break.
If your father has passed away, you can still take time to honor him. Did he have a favorite charity? How about writing down all the best things you remember about your Dad and putting it together with pictures in a scrap book for your kids?
Whatever way you choose to celebrate it, Happy Father’s Day. And thanks Dads for all you do.
