Dear Brothers and Fathers in Christ,

I wish you a Happy Father's Day! Whether you are a natural father or not, it still applies. If you are called to celibacy then you are called to be a spiritual father. All men are called to be fathers, especially by taking responsibility for the spiritual lives of those around us.

Remember what John Paul II said, that the fall in the garden of Eden was primarily an attack against fatherhood, beginning with the Fatherhood of God. Eve transferred her allegiance, her trust, to Satan. Adam, standing by doing nothing while Satan tempted his wife, denied his responsibility to protect Eve his helpmate, his partner in battle. Adam became a father of the brokenness that we all inherit. Only a return to the Father can heal this rift in our souls. We have been given the Spirit, which cries out, "Abba (Daddy!), Father".

I read yesterday of a man in North Carolina who saved his daughter from the jaws of a shark. He pummeled the shark as best he could, dragging his daughter's wounded body back to shore. The only word she repeated was, "Dad". 

Will we be the dads that people need today on this Solemnity of the Holy Trinity? God has made you for this moment. Have confidence in the Holy Spirit. Bless your wives and children. Bless your own fathers, including your priests. Fatherhood is a great gift. Don't let it go to waste. Today is the day.

Dear Sisters, please join me in praying for all the men of our parish today.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr Ed