A t all times, we are called to live our life in imitation of the eternal goodness of God. In an age that is becoming more secular, more divided, it is easy to lose sight of that reality. 

 

Whether we are male or female, each of us is made to live in imitation of Christ. Our whole life is to be a transformation, beginning with baptism and continuing onward and upward with every prayer that stirs in our heart, every reception of the Eucharist, every confession and every sacrifice. This transformation requires us — moment by moment — to leave behind sin and selfishness and to grow in holiness and spiritual perfection. In this way we become more like Jesus who was born in the flesh, born into a family, to become more like us.

 

It was in this family — the Holy Family — that the Son of God made man was raised, in relationship with His mother and father. In His goodness and generosity, Christ invites us, too, to be in relationship with his Blessed Mother and earthly father St. Joseph, and moreover, His Heavenly Father — our Father.

 

Several weeks ago we celebrated Mother’s Day. Though a secular holiday, we can see clearly through the eyes of faith the goodness and importance of the mother of every person. We also recognize the tremendous gift Christ has bestowed upon us in gifting us His mother, the one who loved and loves Him perfectly. At the foot of the cross, Jesus made Mary to be the mother of St. John and through him, mother of each of us and of the whole Church.

 

This motherhood of Mary calls for earthly imitation of her prayer, her sacrifice to teach all her children of the love of God and our need to return that love. We do not redefine motherhood in our age or in any other. In Mary the world already has the model of being a mother that will serve for all time.

 

This Sunday is Father’s Day. As we celebrate this albeit secular holiday, as people of faith, we recognize the great need to rediscover the profound importance of the father in the life of the family in our world today, do we not? 

 

That importance is more rightly understood when we see human fatherhood as an imitation and reflection of the Father of Jesus, our Father in heaven.

 

Jesus spoke constantly to His followers about His Father. He showed us that His Father is profoundly close to us. In baptism we become His adopted children with all the rights and obligations that ensue.

 

Our Father in Heaven loves us. But as a good Father, He is also demanding of us for our own good. He established the Law, written into the world and into our hearts, and with tenderness and constancy insists that we follow it. He requires that we love His only-begotten Son. And when we fall, like the father of the Prodigal Son, He desires and assists our free will to return to Him.

 

Our earthly fathers are likewise called to be a source of life and love, justice and mercy for us. Their presence is one that naturally tends toward discipline, providing for the family, and a reconciling love when times are tough. Above all, like our Heavenly Father, dads must be committed to the family, faithful at all times.

 

The goodness of fatherhood and the imitation of God the Father does not just happen. Like our transformation to imitate Jesus and Mary, it happens slowly. And it takes formation given to our young men so that from their youth they prepare for this important role.

 

To all dads, thanks! And Happy Father’s Day!