In preparation for Father’s Day, I have been tactfully dropping hints to my kids about my latest power tool needs. While my efforts are probably in vain, I can look forward to a collection of lovely homemade cards. I have also been reflecting on the men that have had the greatest impact on my life: father figures that have helped me to grow and challenged me to be more.  

 

Of all my teachers, coaches, and mentors none compare with the priests that have been in my life. I have been blessed to work with numerous priests in our diocese, and my life is richer for each one.  I am constantly amazed by their talent, faith, and dedication.  Above all, I am in awe of their sacrificial love.  They have made a total and lifelong gift of themselves to serve God and His people.  

 

Ashamedly, most of my life has revolved around me, my interests, and my goals.  In contrast, our priests forfeit this self-centered approach and serve something greater than their own ambitions. 

 

From my childhood priest to the pastors I worked for, I have encountered men that exemplify selflessness and sacrificial love on a daily basis. Men who, like Christ, pour out their entire person for us.  In a day at the parish, I could see Father attend to our spiritual needs with Mass, reconciliation, visiting the sick, giving spiritual direction, and offering pastoral care for those in need.  In the same day, he oversaw the mechanics of running a parish, maintenance of an aging building, paid bills, lead staff meetings, and assisted at the local Catholic schools.  That evening, he might attend a finance or pastoral council meetings, lead prayer devotions, teach RCIA, and visit with RE students. Then, in the middle of the night, he would be awoken to give last rites at the hospital. And that was just a Monday. Like a loving parent, our priests are constantly on call.

 

It is hard to imagine a more constant figure in my life than my parish priests.   They were part of the most significant moments of my life.  In just recent years: my wedding, the baptisms of my children, their first Communions, the death of my father, during my own illness, and countless moments in between. Through the good and bad, Father was there offering peace, hope, and the sacraments of life. 

Only as a biological father have I begun to understand what it is to have this kind of love for another.

Love that wants another’s greatest good and the willingness to put that good before our own self-interest.  Our greatest good is eternal life with God, and it is only possible through the saving grace of Jesus. Our priests, before they even knew us, gave their entire life so that we might have access to this grace.  Without their self-gift, we would not have access to the sacraments or the abundant grace they confer. Without our priests, we could not receive our Lord in the Eucharist or be restored through reconciliation.  

 

Without our priests, we would be a flock without a shepherd, a family without a father. Christ promised, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” (Jn 14:18).  Through the Holy Spirit, Christ has gifted His Church with these men and given them a participation in His own priesthood.  Through them, Jesus is really present, and His love, mercy, and grace are made accessible to every generation (CCC 1545, 1548).

 

How wonderful that we can call these men “father.”  Men who, like our biological fathers, may be a little rough around the edges or tell silly dad jokes during the homily, but manifest the fatherhood of our heavenly Father.  

 

This Father’s Day make sure to tell your priest, Happy Father’s Day.  And even if it is not a power tool, surround him with a collection of cards, letters, or emails telling him how important he is in your life.  Most importantly, let us praise God for blessing us with our spiritual fathers and lift them up in prayer daily.