In the times of the Old Testament as well as in the times of Jesus, the male played the most prominent role in society.  It was the voice and the opinion of the male that was listened to and protective of one's family was one of the most sacred duties of a father and a husband.  Being without a father in the family meant that the widow and the orphans were left unprotected and very vulnerable.  Without the presence of a father and husband, the rest of the family were very much open to be exploited and abused.  They lacked a secure protection and someone who could speak on their behalf and safeguard their rights.  The Old Testament have often declared that because of this, our God had a special interest in the orphan and in the widow.  Those who were prepared to come to their aid and the protection of such people were considered to be truly close to the heart and mind of God.

There is much to think about all of this especially as today is Father's Day.  As a church, we have always believed in the importance of family life.  As a Catholic community we have a very good track record in providing the necessary support so that family life will be always encouraged and promoted.  Our children need to grow up in a healthy environment, where they can realise to the full all the gifts that God has given to them.  This can be aided immensely by the presence of mothers and or fathers who are true shepherds and guides to their families.  When one parent is missing for one reason or another, the whole family suffers.  Something is drastically missing when children grow up in a situation where one of the parents is not on the scene.

I can speak from my personal experience.  My father died at thirty two, relatively young.  It was not his fault that he died at such a tender age.  Yet his death left me paralysed inside.  As I grew up I needed another man to talk to as I encountered different situations that required big and serious decisions on my part.  I often longed to have another male like my father with whom I could share my hopes and dreams, my desires and longings, my fears and uncertainties.  However, I never had the opportunity.  Moreover, in the most important moments of my family life, my father was always absent.  He was not present when I went to University, when I decided to study for the priesthood, when I was ordained, when my brother and sister got married and when the grandchildren were born.  Not so long ago I celebrated the fiftieth wedding anniversary of my uncle's wedding.  He is my father's brother.  During the reception, he pulled me aside and he said to me "My brother (that is my father) was never able to enjoy such moments".  It really matters that our Fathers are present with us in our family situations.  It is a hurtful experience when we realise that  such a crucial influence in our lives is missing.

The 2006 Australian Father of the Year is Ron Delizio.  His daughter Sophie was severely burnt after being trapped under a blazing car at her Sydney pre-school.  She had both feet amputated as a result of that accident.  Moreover, at the start of this year she was hit by a car.  Mr Delizio spent long nights at his daughter's bedside.  He also prayed constantly to Blessed Mary McKillop for the healing and safety of his daughter.  Today Sophie is well on her way to recovery.  During the presentation ceremony Mr Delizio made the following remarks. "We have such a short time on this earth to enjoy with our loved ones.  Life is so fragile and can be taken away or changed in the blink of an eye.  There is no finer achievement than seeing your child growing as a good person who is loved by others.....  I am proud of the achievements of my family, of my wife and children.  Without them, life is nothing".  Thank God there are many such fathers around us.

Fathers are also important in conveying the true image of God to their families.  Jesus calls His Father "Abba" which can be translated as daddy. Jesus has shown us that God cares for each one of us as a daddy cares for his children.  The word "daddy" conveys in my mind feelings of closeness, tremendous comfort, ease and security.  As a Catholic community, we try to convey the reality that each one of us is precious to our God so much so that with courage and confidence we can call God our daddy. (Rom 8:15)

However, how can a child understand that God loves him or her as a daddy if the natural father is not a true daddy. How can a child comprehend how tender our God is, if our natural father is never at home; who is always fighting with mum; is always drunk or abusive in his language?  How can we instil in our children right from the earliest years of their lives that God is interested in them if their natural father is constantly indulging in excessive corporate punishment or is frequently high on drugs.  One of the songs that has stayed with me from my younger days is entitled "Cats in the Cradle".  It recounts the reflection of a young man as he was growing up.  His father was always busy with his work.  He had no time for the family.  He was seldom around because of other seemingly important business plans and engagements.  The result was that this young man did exactly the same thing with his family as his father did with him and his brothers and sisters.  Fathers have an amazing vocation to be the kind of daddy that God is to all of us.

Fathers' Day Blessing

Loving God, whom we also call Father, we pray for our own Fathers and all those who are Father figures to us.
We thank you for their wisdom and care for us.  We bless you for their strength and patience.
Bless them with peace and joy as we honour them all the days of their life.
May they, like the men in the scriptures and Joseph, the foster Father of Jesus, be just and true.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.