Dear Friends,
Fr. Damian is in Guatemala on mission this week. Let’s keep him and the Ixim crew in our prayers. And because he is away, you’re stuck with a note from me.
This weekend we honor our fathers, grandfathers and those men who have been father figures to us. We honor those who have embraced the sacred calling of fatherhood – with love, sacrifice, tenderness and presence. For me, like many of you, my life has been abundantly blessed by good men who helped shape me into the father and OPA (grandpa) I am today.
Just this week I was having a conversation with friends about fatherly advice they had received in their childhood. Some advice was funny, “Stay away from Carter Lake!”. Other advice was insightful, “Not much good happens after 12 am!”. And some was truer than we would like to admit, “Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are”. As I reflect on this conversation, I realize my own father was not big on sharing verbal advice or little pearls of wisdom. Disappointing? Not really. Why? For two main reasons…
First, while my dad had few pieces of verbal advice, my father-in-law made up for that and then some. He had a line for everything. He was wise, funny and charismatic, and as a result, people were drawn to him. Once they were close, he would share what he knew to be true – that the main goal in life is to remain close to Jesus, always. Countless times he shared, “People in this world will let you down…every one of them…but God never will.” Certainly, great advice and he was not shy about sharing it. It didn’t matter if you were the delivery driver, the clerk, the parish priest, and yes, even the boy dating his daughter… he charmed his way into each heart and then authentically shared the Good News of Jesus. As a simple farmer, I found that amazing. Now that he has passed on, I treasure his words of wisdom even more.
Secondly, my dad is a man who is trustworthy, generous, kind – also a man of deep faith. While he didn’t share lots of tidbits of wisdom/advice, he showed me by his example how to live as a husband, dad and deacon. He lived a life of sacrifice for our family and rarely, if ever, did things for himself. His life has been the exact opposite of self-serving. I think for him it isn’t about saying the right things as much as it is about doing the right things, living a life worthy of imitation. While neither man was perfect, each showed me a glimpse of Divine Love, which I hope I have also shared (verbally and by example) with my own kids/grandkids/maybe even you.
Both of these fathers (and countless other father figures) loved me enough to share themselves in their own unique way. I am forever grateful and know that their advice and examples have greatly impacted me and so many others. Through the love and care of our fathers we hopefully can see glimpses of something greater, our God. This weekend we celebrate the great mystery of the Holy Trinity. Perhaps we’re being invited to notice how fatherhood is meant to be a divine reflection… a good father reflects the love of the Father, the sacrifice of the Son and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
For the fathers among us, your love has eternal weight. With God’s grace, your quiet sacrifices, example, humility, self-giving love reflects the eternal love of the Trinity. Today and always may you know how important your God given role is in the life of those God has entrusted to your care.
Happy Father’s Day,
Deacon Doug