Fatherhood: A Reflection for Father’s Day 2024

Like many traditional pillars of our society, fatherhood has fallen on hard times. 1 in 4 children in our country grow up without a father in the home. There is really no need to list all of the consequences that follow from this tragic reality.

However, it is important to remember that the entire family structure has its origin in God. St. Paul in his Letter to the Ephesians 3:14-15 tells us, “ … I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.” In other words, fatherhood is integral to the family structure. Something not always appreciated in today’s culture.

Does that mean that single mothers can’t do a good job raising their children? Of course not! But, without a father in the home, mothers have a tougher job raising their children. Without a father within the home, the entire burden of teaching Christian virtues to children falls on the shoulders of one parent. This is not an ideal situation, although it is one that many women deal with day in and day out.

By placing the ideal structure of the family within the divine context, St. Paul, calls men to the noble vocation of fatherhood in imitation of the heavenly Father. This vocation demands that men continually examine their consciences to see how their words and actions conform to the Gospel of Love as an example to their children. Indeed, a father’s approval can mean the difference between a child growing up into a mature and self-confident adult, or a person riddled with self-doubt. In his letter to the Colossians (3:21), St. Paul admonishes fathers not to nag their children lest they become discouraged, “Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.”

Fathers do, in fact, make mistakes. They are not perfect. However, the constant criticism of fatherhood within the culture has not helped the cause of encouraging men to choose and fulfill this vocation. Older and more experienced fathers need to encourage younger fathers in their vocation. They need to share the joys and sorrows of fatherhood and the wisdom from the lessons they have learned along the way of life. Fatherhood needs to be restored to a place of respect within the culture so that society itself can function according to God’s plan.