June 29, 2020
Weekly Reflection – Intentional Father’s Day
An intentional Father’s Day would be a good thing. Much of the world celebrated “Father’s Day,” a time to recognize fathers for what they have given their children and families. Perhaps the most important thing a father can do is intentionally form his family. These Weekly Reflections have recently gone through a ten-week series called “Forming Intentional Families.” The Forward to the text of that series includes a letter that is worth noting today. Let it serve as this week’s Reflection.
Blessings and peace,
Chaplain Allen
chaplain@nationsu.edu
chaplainscorner.org
A STATEMENT ON FAMILIES
It is incumbent upon husbands and wives, mothers and dads, and single parents to spend time in prayer, discernment, and dialogue about the kind of family they will be. Family and home do not automatically happen. The demands and pressures of modern life often dictate the pace and substance of family life, and the family seems helpless and reacts to this frantic pace.
The challenge for the family [and fathers] is not to succumb, but to be proactive and intentional about the kind of family they are choosing to be. After that, a response to modern society can be wisely, prudently, and intelligently made. The process of discernment is first and always receptive, prayerfully seeking God’s direction and inspiration. Decisions about family life will, of course, never be too rigid or inflexible, always open to re-evaluation as life grows and changes. Every family will be different in its needs and aspirations. But proper discernment will always make room for family prayer, shared meals, shared faith dialogue, shared charity, and a certain discipline in family life that allows for these virtues to happen.
All parents must create a kind of moat around their home. Every effort will be made to keep evil outside: anger, rage, abuse, active addictions, and the dark side of modern technology. Within the home, the [father] will nurture gentleness, affection, active listening, prayer, humor, fun, diligence, study, and some measure of solitude and meditation. Families will safeguard against the compulsion to over-commitment and will strive to say “no” while saying “yes” always to God.
Families are so precious and the key to virtuous, joyful living. Everything [fathers] do for the sake of the family will be for the glory of God. It isn’t easy today. But prayer, courage, and intentionality will change the world.
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Note: This text was slightly edited by the Chaplain. The original was penned by Fr. Drew Wood, Pastor of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land Texas
Read more Weekly Reflections: In God We Trust