The 3 C’s of a Father
Listening to the Spirit
God our Father, we give you thanks and praise for fathers young and old
We pray for young fathers, newly embracing their vocation;
May they find courage and perseverance to balance work, family and faith in joy and sacrifice.
We pray for our own fathers around the world whose children are lost or suffering;
May they know that the God of compassion walks with them in their sorrow.
We pray for men who are not fathers but still mentor and guide us with fatherly love and advice.
We remember fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers who are no longer with us
But who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love.
Amen.
Listening to the Word
At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
Reflection
This Sunday is the 11th Sunday in the Ordinary Time and also Father’s Day. I will try to connect this celebration to our Gospel for this Sunday. In these verses, Jesus reveals to us the three C's of compassion, called, and commission, which hold deep meaning not only for the disciples but also for fathers around the world today.
Compassion:
In the opening verse, we witness the immense compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ. "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus' heart overflowed with empathy for the multitudes, recognizing their struggles and needs. Likewise, we honor our fathers today, who exemplify compassion by caring for their families, offering strength, guidance, and unconditional love. Through their compassion, fathers mirror the heart of our Heavenly Father, who tenderly watches over us with a love that knows no bounds.
Called:
Moving forward, we encounter Jesus' call to his disciples. He instructs them, saying, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." Jesus reminds us that we are all called to participate in his mission of love and redemption. Similarly, fathers are called to be faithful and devoted to their families, nurturing and guiding their children on the path of righteousness. This sacred calling extends beyond biological fathers to all men who offer paternal care and guidance, embodying God's love in their actions and words.
Commission:
Finally, Jesus commissions his disciples, empowering them to proclaim the good news, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. This commission signifies an extraordinary responsibility and privilege bestowed upon them. As we celebrate Father's Day, let us recognize the commission entrusted to fathers – to be spiritual leaders, teachers, and mentors for their children. By instilling faith, integrity, and compassion in their families, fathers become beacons of light, guiding their children towards a life rooted in God's love.
Let us reflect upon the three C's - compassion, called, and commission - revealed in today's Gospel. May we embrace Jesus' compassionate heart, allowing it to shape our interactions with others. Let us also acknowledge our calling to be laborers in God's harvest, spreading his love and grace in our daily lives. And finally, let us appreciate the fathers in our midst, honoring their vital role in families and society as they live out their commission to guide and nurture their children. May God bless all fathers, filling their hearts with joy, strength, and an unwavering commitment to their sacred vocation. Amen.
Gospel Reflections
Allowing Jesus to Change Us
Who Is Jesus for Me? From Encounter to Mission
