Today’s Gospel speaks to us about fear and trust. God stays with His people in times of fear and trouble. Jesus tells His followers not to be afraid because God cares deeply for them. Through Jesus, grace and new life overcome sin.
Reflecting on this reading, and celebrating Father’s Day this weekend, I reflect on some memories of my father growing up. I guess you can say I feared my dad at times, because (I know this is hard to believe) there were times I received a spanking for my actions. At the same time, I very much admired my dad as he taught me to play baseball and took me to work with him and showed me how to work hard and not take the easy way out. He traveled to see me play basketball in college. And always treated me when I did something special. These things taught me to know that those spankings were not so much a punishment but a way of discipline to help me grow and mature. On this Father’s Day weekend, remember your fathers and what they taught you, through discipline, spending time with you, teaching skills, and just being there when needed.
To all our Dads, Happy Father’s Day! May Christ’s peace fill your hearts through your family and for those who have gone before us, may they experience Christ’s eternal peace and rest.