On this Father's Day we reflect upon God's fatherly care for us – his dear children. He bore our ancestors in faith up
as on eagle's wings and brought them to where he wanted to relate to them; he has borne us up as well, their descendants in faith – and placed us here and now – so that he can tenderly care for our needs as well.
The responsorial refrain today puts it another way: we are his people: the flock he shepherds. He is strong and protective of us; he is kind and gentle and soothing and nurturing as well – very much like a mother might be!
St. Paul tells the Romans that if God has reconciled us and saved us from eternal death when we were still his enemies: how much more will he be delighted to give us newness of life that is a share in Jesus' own newness of life: that is, the life of the Resurrection. Just as a father gives life: God originates life, fathers it and gives it to those he wants to have it out of pure, unmitigated, overwhelming LOVE! In such a way he has loved each and every one of us! He is our "Papa!" He is our "Daddy!"
One thing is clear from revelation – which is accessed and understood by faith: at one time there was NOTHING at all – except God: God as Father who eternally loves his Son, by the working of Spirit.
This eternal exchange of love is a correct definition of the Triune God!
Because it was so "before the beginning," God always was, is and will be Father! The object of his love will always be the Son, divine in nature, who took on a second (human) nature, later on, out of extreme compassion and love for us; and the object of the Son's entire attention will always be the Father and his will; the Spirit who is the holiness and perfection of God was, is and will always be the energizing force and power that makes the love between the Father and the Son flow, and thus makes the Trinity
alive!
What is astounding is that this very Trinity wants to be in relationship with us! The Father of the Son, wants to be our father too; and the Son, himself wants to be our Brother, who saves us from eternal punishment; and the Spirit wants to be our guide through life; and to fill us and make us holy and perfect just as the Father and the Son are holy and perfect!
To get this news out: the fact that the very Kingdom of Heaven, the very Kingdom of God the Father is at hand - it is right here and right now breaking into human history in the person of Jesus! Jesus chose disciples and apostles to carry that message far and wide! Proclaim the Kingdom of my Father, and perform great signs so that you are believed – and pray, that at least some of your listeners will hear clearly what you are saying, and turn towards me, turn towards my Father, turn towards the Kingdom – and one day – through the waters of Baptism become truly adopted children of God who will be our
Father, as I have taught you to pray, and true brothers and sisters of me – and all else who believe.
This is a wonderful message for Father's Day! We are God's chosen possession! We are his people, the sheep of his flock! But most especially of all, we are the Father's adopted sons and daughters! – Really and truly spiritually adopted in a way which will make all the difference in where we will spend eternity!
Happy Father's Day GOD!
Thank you so much for loving us so – and for constantly providing for all our needs! See us safely home to you, where with Mary, our Mother, we will rejoice in your house with all of our brothers and sisters forever!
The Lord's kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations!
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