Memorial of Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr
Sacred Scripture is flooded with verses regarding children, child-like faith, and God's relationship with His children. Throughout my life, including my young adult life, I've read these verses through the eyes of a child and with the experiences of child, always knowing that God is a good Father and His love for His children is great. But it's challenging for children to comprehend the depth of such love, which can only be experienced in order to fully understand. Many have told me that, "when you have children, then you'll understand." After seeing for the first time the face of my son, Andrew, who was born less than three weeks ago, now I understand.
Every day I learn how to be a better father, as I gain wisdom by either experience or through the wisdom and life experience offered to me by other fathers and role-models in my life. Such wisdom is provided in today's first reading from the beginning of St. Paul's letter to Titus, a Gentile Christian who served as Paul's envoy and assistant. In the opening address of this letter, Titus is referred to as Paul's "true child in our common faith." Paul continues by dispensing father-like instruction and advice to young Titus, who has been commissioned to appoint presbyters and bishops in the early Church. In today's reading, Titus is instructed about the character of the bishops that he is to select. Among these characteristics, St. Paul writes that a bishop should be "blameless, not arrogant, not irritable, not a drunkard, not aggressive, not greedy for sordid gain, but hospitable, a lover of goodness, temperate, just, holy, and self controlled, holding fast to the true message as taught." I think it's safe to say that these characteristics must not only belong to bishops, but also to fathers, and mothers, and frankly- to all of us as we live out our various vocations as disciples.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing that I've experienced from first-time fatherhood is recognizing how much my son looks like me. It's both an indescribable and humbling realization. Considering that all of us have been made in the image and likeness of God, what does this mean for my own discipleship? Do I reflect the image of God to the world? What does God see when He looks at my life? These were the questions that I asked myself as I read today's Gospel reading from Luke in which Jesus refers to His own disciples as "little ones," a term that we would most likely use to describe small children. Luke portrays Jesus in today's Gospel as a protective Father who warns those who cause His children to sin. Jesus also commands His disciples to rebuke other disciples when they sin and to exhibit infinite mercy and forgiveness when there is sincere repentance. By following these words of Jesus, we reflect the image of Christ to the world as His disciples and live out our true identity as children of God.
All of the attributes described by St. Paul in today's first reading and commanded by Jesus in today's Gospel reflect the character of God Himself, who is an eternal Father. To call God a "Father" is more than just an arbitrary analogy or title, but a real relationship in which we who believe that Jesus is Christ participate in. But this reality is also difficult to understand. Yet, regarding such mysteries of our Catholic faith, many people have told me that "when you're in heaven, then you'll understand." And I'm sure that after seeing His face, as He is, and falling into the eternal gaze and warmth of His presence, then we'll indeed understand. Today, may we recognize our true identity as children of God, our loving Father, and boldly and purposefully live out our vocations with the grace that has been given to us. Amen.
Ryan J. Mahle