“The Father of the family represents and reflects the image of God the Father. If a father has an identity crisis in the spiritual realm—that is to say, he does not understand his intimate relationship to God the Father—then he will not be able to transmit to his children and family an authentic vision of God the Father.”

“Without father figures, young people often feel ‘orphaned,’ left adrift at a critical moment in their growth and development… fathers are necessary as examples and guides for our children in wisdom and virtue.” – Pope Francis  - general audience, January 28, 2015

Scripture Text: (1 COR 10:31—11:1)

Brothers and sisters,
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,
do everything for the glory of God.
Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or
the church of God,
just as I try to please everyone in every way,
not seeking my own benefit but that of the many,
that they may be saved.
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

St. Paul’s words in our Second Reading from today’s Mass take on a very practical meaning for Christians. Saint Paul exhorts the Corinthians: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ”. Reflect on how these words apply to Christian fatherhood in the Sacrament of Marriage.

The “living imitation” that Christian fathers offer their children begins with those fathers abiding in Christ. Jesus speaks about this at length at the Last Supper [see John 14-17]. This is an imitation of Christ from the inside, looking out with love upon one’s children. God Himself calls fathers—and of course, mothers also—to live as examples for their children to imitate. They first do so by teaching their children how to abide in God’s Presence, and how to allow Christ to abide within them.