St. Joseph as Our Example
When it comes to Respect life, it is important in following the example of St. Joseph, to support those who choose to embrace their role as a father in all circumstances, especially in challenging situations. St. Joseph was unexpectedly called to fatherhood amid extremely confusing and difficult circumstances. However, despite many obstacles, St. Joseph chose to be faithful. St. Joseph chose life by listening to God’s will and consciously deciding to be a father to Jesus, the Son of God. Pope Saint John Paul II said that fathers are called to exhibit “generous responsibility for the life conceived under the heart of the mother” (Familiaris consortio 25). Like St. Joseph, all fathers are uniquely entrusted with the protection and defense of both mother and child and, in this way, safeguard the sanctity of human life.
Our society increasingly tells fathers that they should have no say in the lives of their unborn children, no opportunity to choose to father their children. It restricts the decisions regarding an unborn child solely to the discretion of the mother. In the face of false messages about fatherhood, we must respond with the truth that the role of a father “is of unique and irreplaceable importance” (FC 25). We know that the assistance and support of the father of a child, or lack thereof, can often be a deciding factor in a woman’s decision to choose life. Tragically, there are men who sometimes pressure mothers to make the decision to abort the child, sinning grievously and making the cowardly choice. These men are not following the example of St. Joseph and are not exercising true, spiritual fatherhood.
In all circumstances, but especially in difficult circumstances, a father needs to be encouraged to faithfully accept the role entrusted to him by God and support the mother of his child. Through our prayers and through the intercession of St. Joseph, patron of fathers, may fathers come to know the irreplaceable role they hold in the lives of their children, and the responsibility they share in welcoming God’s gift of new life. (USCCB – Fathers Irreplaceable Role in Welcoming Life)
Fatherhood has its origins in God, who chose to reveal Himself to us as Our Father, sending his only Son for the sake of our salvation. Fathers therefore have a special role “in revealing and in reliving on earth the very fatherhood of God” (Familiaris consortio 25). Fathers are called to exhibit “generous responsibility for the life conceived under the heart of the mother” (FC 25). They are uniquely entrusted with the protection and defense of both mother and child and, in this way, in safeguarding the sanctity of human life.
Let’s join together in prayer and offer a rosary or a decade of the rosary for all our fathers today.
Healing Resources:
- Rachel’s Vineyard: Welcome Men
- Archdiocese of Chicago: Project Rachel Post Abortive Healing
We’d love for you to join Respect Life! Please email respectlife@olwparish.org for more information.
Tags: #familiarisconsortio, #familiarisconsortio25, #fathersday, #olw, #olwparish, #ourladyofthewayside, #prolife, #respectlife, #respectlifecorner
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