Last month we celebrated Mother’s Day and recognized the great love and affection that we have for our mothers and all that they do for us. This month we celebrate Father’s Day. During this month I would like to congratulate all of the loving fathers, living and dead, for their dedication and their self-giving love to their families.

Several years ago there was a bumper sticker, “Any man can be a father – it takes a special man to be a daddy!” A rather long bumper sticker, but I think it makes a point. We use the word “Father” easily, but it is important to understand that the Aramaic word (ABBA) is a word of great intimacy, probably best translated as “Daddy.”

Perhaps the most touching story I know about what it is to be a “Daddy” is the one about a little boy of five who was left alone with his father to get him ready for bed. After some hassling the dad finally got the little boy into his pajamas and tried to get him into bed. “But Daddy,” the little boy said, “I have to say my prayers first.”

He knelt down beside his bed, joined his little hands, raised his little eyes to heaven and prayed, “Dear God,” make me a great big, good man, just like my daddy. Amen.” He jumped up and into bed and in five minutes he was sound asleep. Then his father knelt by his son’s bedside and prayed, “Dear God, make me a great big, good man, just like my little boy thinks I am.”

Men, have you ever had a time when someone thought you to be greater than you really are? I think at some time in each of our lives we have experienced it. And we think that we are not worthy of the praise of admiration given to us. Perhaps we are not, but we have to try to live up to the responsibilities of fatherhood. Sometimes it means sacrifice. Sometimes it means humility. But always it means showing our children how to live and how to love, selflessly, growing in virtue and spirituality. Let’s let our children see that great big, good man like they think we are.

We ask God’s blessing on all fathers; to strengthen them, reward them, and help them to be good fathers, not only on Father’s Day, but always. Happy Father’s Day! May God bless you on this day and every day of your lives.

Fr. Al Backmann