The Role of a Father

What is the role of a Father? What is it that makes a man a Father?

“You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was toward you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.”

• 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12

We often consider Fathers as protectors and guardians, but more than that what are the qualities of a father?

“And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

• Ephesians 6:4

What is the importance of patience in the role of a parent? In the role of a Father? Do ‘instances’ from your childhood with your own father impact the way you live your life today?

“Every family needs a father — a father who shares in his family's joy and pain, hands down wisdom to his children and offers them firm guidance and love.”

• Pope Francis

What’s the proudest moment between you and your father in your own life?  Has it had an impact on how you hope to be a parent in the future?

“Truly, I doubt not that the angels, wondering and adoring, came thronging in countless multitudes to that poor workshop to admire the humility of him who guarded that dear and divine child, and labored at his carpenter’s trade to support the son and the mother who were committed to his care.”

• St Francis de Sales on Saint Joseph

It is easy to look to Saint Joseph for his virtue and saintliness, but what of his fatherly devotion? What of the devotion of a human father, not just a saintly one? Are these virtues beyond what we can achieve?