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Father as Protector and Leader
Next Sunday is Father’s Day, and thus a good time to reflect on a few important qualities of fatherhood.
In our society today, it seems as though fatherhood is not always valued. Men, as husbands and fathers of families, appear to be under attack. Many children grow up without a father or father-figure in their homes, often due to broken marriages, dysfunctional families, and the breakdown of the institution of marriage. Rampant abortion makes it possible to prevent children from coming into this world. With the rising trend of transgenderism, some men are turning away from the opportunity to father and raise children.
Yet, all fathers have an opportunity to do something great and amazing in life by taking on the challenge of doing what is right, with commitment and resolve; to protect those who need protection and to provide for those who need provision. These fathers stand by their wives and protect their children. They are men of character. In short, they are men who lead and protect their families.
As the protector of his family, a father shields them from things that might cause physical or emotional harm, including the dangers of pornography, drugs, abuse, bullying and being a bully, laziness and selfishness.
A father is a leader in his home…not by telling everyone what to do, but by leading by example, by showing love, being merciful, being involved, and spending time with the family. He is a leader by taking responsibility for setting limits, by taking the initiative to fix what goes wrong, and by working hard.
At a time when we need fathers who are strong protectors and leaders, we can look to St. Joseph as a role model:
St. Joseph, Husband of the Mother of God and Guardian of the Virgin: Just as St. Joseph was entirely committed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, true fatherhood begins with a lifetime commitment of the husband to his wife. St. Joseph provided for the Blessed Mother, protected her in the midst of danger, and loved her selflessly.
St. Joseph, Head of the Holy Family and Foster Father of the Son of God: In his role as the head of the family, and through his own obedience to God, St. Joseph taught the child Jesus to be obedient to His parents (Lk 2:51). Through the ordinariness of family life, St. Joseph helped Jesus advance in wisdom and age and favor before God and man. (Lk 2:52).
St. Joseph, Model of Workers: From St. Joseph, Jesus learned the value, dignity, and joy of work…so important and sadly often lacking in our society today.
Whether men are biological or spiritual fathers, St. Joseph has much to teach us all. On this Father’s Day, let us call upon St. Joseph and ask for his powerful intercession.
St. Joseph, pray for us!
Let us pray:
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil.
Amen.
~St. Luke Life, Justice and Peace Ministry
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