A Father's Day Reflection

A Homily for Father's Day

This Sunday in our Churches in Dromore and Banbridge we are combining Fathers Day with our Children’s service. We have a puppet show planned for the services and so I thought for those who follow online I would reflect briefly on the 4 lectionary passages that are set for us in the Revised Common Lectionary and we will do so through the lense of Fathers Day as we reflect on the gifts and responsibilities of fatherhood. 

In the Old Testament reading Ezekiel 17:22-24, the prophet, speaking on behalf of God, speaks of God taking a tender shoot from the lofty cedar and planting it on a high mountain, where it will grow and flourish, providing shelter and shade. This imagery speaks to the role of fathers in nurturing their children, helping them grow strong and secure in their love and guidance.

Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 echoes this theme, praising God for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. The righteous, those who live in alignment with the wisdom of God the psalmist says, will flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Fathers, in living lives of dedication and faithfulness, model this righteousness, this wholesome way of living helping their families thrive and flourish.

In 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17, Paul reminds us that we walk by faith, not by sight. Fathers and parents in general are often required to embody this walk of faith, leading their families through uncertain times with courage and trust. Paul’s words about being a new creation in Christ resonate with the transformative power of a father’s love, which, when lived out in faith shapes and molds the character and faith of their children.

In Mark 4:26-34, Jesus shares the parable of the growing seed and the mustard seed. These parables highlight the mysterious and miraculous growth of God's kingdom, which starts small but becomes great and expansive. Fathers, through their everyday actions of love, patience, and instruction, contribute to this growth. They plant the seeds of faith and values in their children, trusting God to bring about the growth in His time.

On this Father’s Day, may we honour and celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives. They are often like the farmer in Jesus' parable, faithfully sowing seeds of love and faith without always seeing the immediate results. When fathers live in steadfastness and dedication they become instrumental in the flourishing of their families and children, much like the trees in Ezekiel  that grow strong and provide shelter.

Let us pray

O God, Great Wisdom of the Universe in Whom we live and move and have our being, 
And who Jesus taught us to refer to as Abba,
on this Father’s Day, we thank you for your Divine Love. 
Like a Father’s Love, Your Love is strong and deep, 
Filled with faith in us, and hopes and dreams for each of us. 
We thank you that your love endures through all obstacles
Always ready to support us. 

We thank you too that your fatherly love is tender and kind towards us
A source of strength and grace in times of difficulty
A shelter from life’s stormy winds
A warm, safe and caring place 
in which each of us can find a home 
and each of us can find our rest. 
In Jesus name. Amen.