Deacon Tom Anthony

Being a father and the head of a household is a great responsibility. We are looked upon by our entire family to make decisions and conduct ourselves for the betterment of our wives and children. Everything we say and do faces a certain type of scrutiny. At the same time, we are very human and make mistakes just like everyone else. The difference is that our shortfalls and mistakes no only affect ourselves but all of those around us. We are counselors, advisers, dictators, and financial investors at the same time. We are seldom praised yet are criticized out-rightly. Just as it was with our fathers before us, what we say and do will have a lasting memory on our family. Children remember the strangest things and can be the harshest of critics. As they grow older they formulate their own opinions and make them known. I feel that one of the most difficult parts of being a father is when my children have come of age and challenge what I say and do. Dad no longer has the final say on everything. The dictatorship crumbles into a revolution.

In our faith life we are encouraged to reflect on our faults and successes daily. It is called an Examination of Conscious. Through this exercise we can then recognize our sins and repent. We can repair our relationship with God and better ourselves each day. This includes our actions that directly affect our family. Nothing is beyond repair in our lives including our closest relationships. The family is the most important family unit in society. It contains the the most important people we will ever interact with and possesses the most powerful potential of an expression of God's love. As God loves us we are obligated to search for that same love within our families. Focusing on this love is challenging, especially when confronted with the demands of society and the attempts of society to belittle and destroy the family unit. It can easily become overbearing and frustrating.

As Christians, we are taught to love everyone just as God loves us. When we evangelize the faith and build up the Kingdom of God here on this earth, we can sometimes take other things for granted. This includes the ones that we are supposed to love the most: our family. It usually is not a conscious thing. It is not done purposefully. It becomes an ironic situation: the ones that we love the most can be ignored the most. We become blind to situations right in front of us. To avoid this, we cannot self-justify our actions but instead examine ourselves with complete honesty and as critically as possible. Even though we are taught not to judge others, we are commissioned to judge ourselves. If we judge ourselves, we can then repent and insure a transformation for the better. We are not perfect but we can always work towards perfection.

Father's Day is a perfect time for reflection. Even though it is a day that was created by society in 1910, we as Christians can use it as an instrument of our faith. We can take the time to admit our failures, short-comings, and faults. We can then make a commitment of repentance. At the same time, we can take the day to take pride in our hard work and successes. Being a father in society today is as challenging as ever and we must also look upon it as a title of pride. We are shaping the lives of our family and instilling into them the same faith and morals that we hold so dear to ourselves. Whatever else we do in our lives, being a father will have the most lasting impression. Nothing in this world is eternal except for God but the role of a father will be remembered for generations to come. It also has power and influence over the salvation story of our entire family. We are the captains of the ship; in calm seas and stormy ones.

In times of trouble, we are encouraged to look toward Saint Joseph for guidance. He is the perfect model for a father. Commissioned by God to watch over the Christ Child, he was influential over his early years and was challenged daily. From being exiled to Egypt and facing scandal in his own community, he endured many trials and personal pain. We all can relate to the early plight of the Holy Family. Through perseverance and prayer, they overcame extreme challenges. Extreme challenges are a common occurrence in the lives of a Christian Family. In the end, God is always with us and we must realize this.

Being called dad should be a great honor. Embrace this title and never abuse it. Do not take it for granted. Also, don't think so little of it. It is the greatest title and honor you could ever receive: welcoming new life into the world, nurturing it, protecting it, and finally letting it go.

Saint Joseph,

Pray for use.

Deacon Tom