Ah, how very deep a father’s love can be for his children. We see an example of this, from heaven’s perspective, in today’s Gospel reading. We know it well. It is the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

We see in the text that the father allowed his son to make his own choices. We see, too, that from the time of his son’s departure to the time of his return, the father was ready to accept him unconditionally upon his return. We see what kind of man this father was to his sons. We see a man of patience, compassion, affection, generosity, mercy, celebration and joy!

When children are confident of their father’s love, they take on and take into the world a deep confidence and identity, which isn’t rooted in fear, but in trust, joy and goodness that flows from their fathers’ love. The son abandoned his father, brother, farm and all he knew to pursue a life of lust and self-gratification. He eventually returned home though. Why?

He returned home out of desperation. He hoped to be accepted as a slave. No! Not in this household. The one who took advantage of and abandoned his father was welcomed as a son! His father taught him again the family way, a way of grace, the way of love and mercy.

How can a father reveal this love to his children in the present-day? Check out these tips from the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who offers us an insight into a father’s heart: Pope Francis’s 7 Tips for Being a Good Father.

As we near the end of Lent, don’t miss the opportunity of these holy days. I encourage fathers to examine how you and your families are using the Internet. Would you say you use it with integrity? Or do you have room to grow in this area?

Looking for ways to start this conversation with your own family? Wondering how to address your children’s online habits with grace and mercy? Learn how in a new video from Catholic Mutual Group and Covenant Eyes.

The father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son models the ways of integrity that all fathers are called to live each day. A father is to honor his relationship with God and to be the man he is called to be for his wife and children. This is the unconditional love God the Father has for all of us his children.

Amanda Zurface, J.C.L., is the Catholic Campaign Coordinator for Covenant Eyes. She holds a License in Canon Law and Undergraduate Degrees in Catholic Theology and Social Justice. She has served in various roles within the Catholic Church both in the United States and Internationally. Find out more about Covenant Eyes here.

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning - FREE!

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here