St. Joseph: Model of a Real Father.

On this Sunday as we celebrate Father’s Day, it reminded me of one of the chapters of Fr. Donald Calloway’ book Consecration to St. Joseph. Day 11: Spouse of the Mother of God, Pray for us.

      “The vocation of all men is to be at the service of those entrusted to their love and care. Many men have forgotten this today, but St. Joseph will help them remember. He will help men be holy and chivalrous again. All men discover in St. Joseph a model of strength, fidelity, heroism, and virtue. If men—husbands, fathers, priests, and bishops—follow the example of St. Joseph, families will be loving and secure, husbands will be holy, priests will be dragon-slayers, and bishops will again be shepherds of souls and pillars of truth.

      Real men are true gentlemen at the service of others. Real men love. Real men are willing to die for their wives and children. Holy priests and bishops are willing to suffer and die for the souls entrusted to their care. Priests and bishops of this caliber are not afraid of ridicule, slander, poverty, or imprisonment. Men like St. Joseph are willing to fight for what they love, what is good, true, and beautiful. May the Church and families once again be filled with such men.”

      When it comes to fatherhood, none of us are perfect (only our Holy Father in Heaven is perfect). He is the one that we have to allow to come into our hearts and lives to direct our words and our actions. It is by our baptism that we are called to be priests, prophets, and kings for our families.

      This is a very tall order, and it is not easy. But the impact we have on our wives and our children requires us to be the best dad we can be. In the past I know that I have fallen short of being the best dad I could be, mainly because I was trying to do it on my own. It was only when I let God the Father lead me and remind me of how St. Joseph cared for Jesus and the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God.

      The book cited above was also an eye-opener for me. It provides insight and direction over a 33-day period. Due to my work schedule, it took me longer than 33 days, but it was worth it, and I highly recommend it.

      When it comes to Father’s Day gifts, my thought is to ask my family to pray for me to be a better father, grandfather and soon to be great-grandfather. It is also a great gift to pray for all fathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, godfathers, and especially for priests, bishops and deacons in this time of transition.

Christ’s Peace be with you.

Deacon Larry