I believe that being a Christian Father is one of the highest callings any man can ever achieve in his life.
Even as God chose Mary to be the one who would give birth to the Son of God, so in His mighty providence He chose Joseph to be a FATHER to Jesus and to raise Him into manhood.
Fathers are not only needed for the physical act of CONCEIVING a child; they are also needed for the spiritual act of RAISING a child. This child, Jesus, was conceived in the womb of Mary “by the Holy Ghost” – a miracle took place so technically, there was no need for a man to be involved in the conception. But a man WAS still needed to fill the role of father in Jesus’ childhood.
So, Joseph was chosen. And just as God had looked for a godly young woman to bring forth the child, so He looked for a godly man to be the father. And what an inspiring model of fatherhood Joseph was.
Fathers have a role of great responsibility in the lives of their children. In many ways, earthly fathers are representatives of the Heavenly Father in that they are to love, protect, and provide for their families. The greatest responsibility of a father is to live a godly life before his children, so that they, too, will grow up to be godly men and women who know and love the Lord.
Father Richard and I will be praying for all our fathers with our Fathers day Novena this week. We pray that you have the courage and strength to lead and guide your children through good and hard times.
God Bless you and give you the spiritual guidance to be a good dad.
Happy Father’s Day