St Paul Admonishes Bad Fathers

Ephesians 6:1-4

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for that is right. "Honor thy father and thy mother" - such is the first commandment with a promise - "that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest be long-lived upon the earth."

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but rear them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.

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Parents, especially abusive parents, are sure quick to quote the commandment "honor thy father and they mother." But they forget that God also judges very severely parents who are abusive (witness Jesus Christ preaching about the kingdom of heaven belonging to the children.) St Paul reminds and admonishes fathers (and this includes mothers too) that it is sinful and abusive to provoke children to anger. What St Paul is saying that the only legitimate boundaries of discipline for children are those that result from correct living within the law of God. Abusive parenting is a direct offense against the first commandment, "I am the Lord Thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me" because if one is being abusive to a child, then one is not putting God and God's law above all else. Abusive parents do not love and obey God. It is good that St Paul reminds people of this (wise man that he was) and I wish more people would get the message.

Happy Father's Day

To all fathers out there, both biological and adopted/step, fostering, mentoring, and all who perform a fathering role. I hope that you are having a great day and feeling the love and worthiness that all good fathers deserve.

I hope that those fathers who are struggling to be good fathers can draw upon God and good role models for strength and guidance, and do not give up, because your children need you.

Turn to Saint Joseph for Guidance

As Father's Day approaches, there is something I'd like to offer this year's "Dads" and their children for comfort and consideration. It's never been more difficult to be a Dad, and sometimes, it's never been more difficult to be a child. There are many broken or non-existent families, or your Dad may be ill, or has passed away. Sometimes due to the challenges of life today, and dysfunction, it is hard to know what a good Dad even is. Your Dad may be in danger, serving in the military, or in one of many occupations where he has to take risk and work hard. If you don't have a Dad, or had one that was abusive, absent, or otherwise emotionally unavailable to you, please do what generations before you have done and think of St. Joseph as your Dad, and draw upon his strength, love, and integrity.

St. Joseph was a real man, pure and responsible. Remember, angels spoke to him. He over everyone else was entrusted to care for and protect the Blessed Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus. He is more than a statue buried upside down in a yard to sell a home (and I'm not knocking it, I'm just saying.) He can be your father too. He can be talked to just like a Dad, and if you listen carefully and ponder "what St. Joseph would do," you will feel love, comfort and guidance. This is what Catholics believe, Catholics do not worship the saints; they honor them and know that they can speak to them in prayer like family, but one that can be totally trusted, because this family member resides forever in Christ's heart. Jesus Christ promised and testified that there is eternal life for those who believe and obey, and so you can rest assured that St. Joseph is as real as the days he walked the earth, protected, and provided for the Holy Family. Here are copied from my Bible some of his titles, and a prayer. Think of the prayers as what they are: requests for love and understanding, and for his power as a role model.

Patron of the Universal Church
Prudent Guardian of the Holy Family, protect God's Holy Church.

Model of Righteousness
Joseph most just, make us relish what is right.

Solace of the Afflicted
Amidst our many trials and temptations, sustain us by your help.

Protector of Children
By your fatherly love for Jesus, bless and protect all children.

Hope of the Sick.
Fosterfather of the Divine Physician, sustain the sick and obtain relief for them.

Consolation of the Poor
Provider for the Needs of Jesus and Mary, help the needy of the whole world.

Rescuer of Sinners
Rescuer of the Child Jesus from Herod, save us from our many sins.

Model of Christian Workmen
Just Joseph, honest workman, teach us always to labor for Jesus.

Patron of Priests and Seminarians
Fosterfather of Christ, the Priest-Victim, make priests faithful to the sacred calling.

Model of Single Men and Married Men
Model Father and chaste Spouse, enable all men to imitate your example.

Patron of a Happy Death
Blessed Joseph, who died in the arms of Jesus and Mary, intercede for the dying.

Guardian of Virgins
Chaste Spouse of the Virgin Mother, preserve in all hearts a love of purity.

Safeguard of Families
Chosen Guardian of the Holy Family, protect all Christian homes.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do with sharing. St Joseph is everyone's father (stepfather if you want to be all contemporary about it!) Whenever you need a father's love, or need help in being a father, or a good and righteous man, take a look at these, and keep a holy card or picture of St Joseph nearby. In addition to helping to lead people to love for and understanding of the Lord, he is such a wonderful role model to soothe and assist in all the troubling challenges of life.

St. Paul speaks

One of my favorite (of many) writings by St. Paul.

Romans 8:12-17

Therefore, breathren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, that we should live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the flesh, you will live.

For whoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Now you have not received a spirit of bondage so as to be again in fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons, by virtue of which we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself gives testimony to our spirit that we are sons of God.

But if we are sons, we are heirs also: heirs indeed of God and joint heirs with Christ, provided, however, we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with him.

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There's a lot there to think about. Think about how one is both a debtor and an heir to God and Christ.