Posted by The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Ferdinand Cruz SVD – University of San Carlos, Cebu City
Wednesday 27th Week in Ordinary Time
We are reminded today that Jesus taught us to call the almighty God “Abba.” This signifies closeness or intimacy between a father and child. The idea was unprecedented because the Jews understood God as a feared and respected master over his people. To relegate the Almighty to mere humanity was unthinkable, even blasphemous for others. But Jesus knows God as “Abba” because he is our Father in heaven who provides, protects, and cares for his children.
St. Joseph is an excellent example of a father on earth. With broken homes and unplanned pregnancies, some situations make it difficult to conform to the traditional idea of family in a conservative society then and even until now. After the angel spoke to Joseph in a dream, he did not divorce Mary even if she was with child. He saved her from shame and legitimized Jesus as his own.
All good fathers (and mothers )try their best under different circumstances to raise good children. However, some parents do not even care. Many lose their way, wander aimlessly through life and resort to violence, crimes, and substance abuse.
I once had counseling sessions with a 15–year–old girl raped by her own father and gave birth to two of her own siblings. There was also a gay son used as a punching bag every night by his “macho” father, openly humiliating the confused kid in front of everyone. How can a “father” do that to his own child?
I also encountered a pregnant woman seeking refuge with her three little kids, running away from her drunk and violent husband who does not want another child. How can a husband do that to his wife?
Isn’t a father supposed to be good like “Abba” in heaven or a protector like St. Joseph on earth? Seeing the good and bad parents around us, we must reflect on this question: “Which kind of father (or mother) are you?”
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