The journey to fatherhood takes on many roles. As a "Catholic dad" my world revolves around my relationship with Christ, my family and everything else. The Story of salvation history "our story" rests on the beauty of God's love for his creation and the steps He takes to lead us into his eternal kingdom. Throughout the Old Testament we see our Lord provided humanity opportunity after opportunity to receive His love; - Gen 3:15 (Proto-evangelium)
- Gen 6-7 (Noah's Ark)
- Gen 17 (God's covenant with Abraham)
- Ex 20 (Ten Commandments and the Law of Love)
- Deut 12"1-14; (Teaching the children)
- 1 Sam 3 (The calling of Samuel)
- Psalm 27 (God our Savior and King)
This love is echoed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church where the whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. (CCC 25) Hence, as a Father of three children under the age of ten, part of my fatherly love is directed to the development of doctrine (love) within the lives of my children. My daughter revealed this love to me as she prepared for her First Reconciliation through her catechetical instruction at home. The day came for our family scheduled meeting with our Pastor to determine if my daughter was ready for her First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. As with all things in Christ, I realized that God is the ultimate comedian in our journey with him. A snow/ice storm brewed its way into the city which as my wife called me at work to inform me that our Pastor postponed our appointment because of the inclement weather.
What made this decision difficult was my daughters' anticipation for reception of the sacrament for weeks leading up to that day. The night before I could see a radiance and joy as my daughter kept reminding me that she could not wait to make her First Reconciliation and receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. When the news came that the meeting was being moved to another date my wife told me that our daughter began to weep for as my wife explained to me, "our daughter wants to receive Christ." I heard her tears over the phone, thus I asked my wife to put our daughter on the line. What do you say to a daughter whose desire for Christ is greater than yours! "Christ wants you to prepare for his love just a little bit longer because He loves you that much more." Thus, these were the words that came out of my mouth as I tried to console my daughter as she sniffled and spoke in a broken voice. "Did I do anything wrong?" Was her response thinking that it was somehow her fault. I told her not at all. The greatest gifts of grace I told her will come through your patience and love for Christ. She seemed to understand this concept. I also told her I would buy her a strawberry milk shake when I got home from work. "Covering all my bases!" Her desire for Christ brought me to the lesson of love our Lord has left for us in His Church. Our love must never end when it comes to nurturing the souls of our children.
St. John Bosco's emphasis in his catechetical ministry to children was "Da Mihi Animas" give me souls. His charism was to love them and they will follow you anywhere. My daughter has revealed this love to me and the joy I receive in returning that love to her.
