Listen Up, Dads!

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In today’s first reading, St. Paul addresses dads. Any time I tackle this topic it is fraught with peril, mainly because so many households now are single parent households where the mom is raising the kids by herself. Actually, that’s why today’s reflection is so important.

Here is St. Paul’s advice to dads: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.” There are so many complex causes to the many problems in society today, so what I’m about to say may seem a gross oversimplification. So be it.

I believe that absentee fathers are one of the greatest causes of so many societal ills today. For instance, prisons are jammed with men who didn’t know their father or had no father figure in their lives. Thus these men are much more likely to be absentee fathers as well. It is a vicious, self perpetuating cycle. This example underscores the importance of St. Paul’s words today. Men, we can do better. We must man up and do right by our wives, our children and, most importantly, our God. Let’s train up our kids in the ways of the Lord. There's no guarantee they will follow in those ways, but let's at least give them a fighting chance in this relativistic world.

Father, bless fathers with your wisdom, patience, fortitude and humility. May all fathers be the godly men you are calling them to be. Amen.

Today’s Readings

Want to help Dad? Get him a copy of Magnetic Christianity to help him along the way. Order today at www.GusLloyd.com.

2 comments

  • Carl: October 26, 2022

    Gus, your belief is supported by the literature and research on this subject.

    I was introduced to the movie “Courageous” by a police officer friend, have shared it with many, and will be viewing it in our Men’s Group in my parish. Here is a copy of the “contract” the officers in the film developed:

    THE RESOLUTION
    (from the movie Courageous)

    I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

    •I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.
    •I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be wiling to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.
    •I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.
    •I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.
    •I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.
    •I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.
    •I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.
    •I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.
    •I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.
    •I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.
    •I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

    As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15

  • Tom Linnen: October 26, 2022

    Great Reflection. IMO socialism’s goal to destroy the family unit is at the root of America’s problem. Jesus’s time in the Holy Family was not random. It was maybe his biggest lesson.

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