Today’s gospel reading in traditional Catholic churches is about a man who had no father:

At that time, Jesus went into a city called Naim, accompanied by his disciples and a great number of people. When he came near the city gate, behold a dead man was being carried out, who was the only son of his mother; and she was a widow.

The Lord saw her and was moved with compassion. He said to her: “Do not weep.”

He came near and touched the coffin. And those who carried it stood still.

He said: “Young man, I tell you, arise.”  And he who was dead sat up and began to speak. Then Jesus gave him back to his mother.

And there came a fear on all present: and they glorified God, saying: “A great prophet is risen up among us,” and, “God has visited his people.” 

* * *

Our Lord felt special compassion for that little family.

In the Jewish society of which Jesus was a part, there was always great pity for families with no father.

Their scriptures taught that God is a Father to those who have no father on earth

The famous Psalm 67 says, “Sing to God, sing to his name . . . rejoice before him . . . he who is the Father of the fatherless, and the protector of widows.” 

* * *

It is God’s plan that a child should be raised by his father.

And that his father should live with his wife who is the child’s mother.

In doing so, the father acts on behalf of God who is the Father of all.

The notion of single motherhood isn’t something to be considered desirable.

When there is no father in a family, e.g. due to death, the community – especially the Church community – must ensure that the family receives father-like leadership from their extended family and from fellow-believers.

* * *

Fatherhood is something to respect and honour.

The combination of authority and affection and mercy and empathy which a good father provides is one of God’s greatest gifts.

So much so, that God wishes us to address him as “Our Father”.

What a challenge to us fathers, to be the kind of father that God wants us to be.

What a reproach if our example of fatherhood makes it harder for our child to feel joy in thinking of God in terms of his Fatherhood.

What a privilege to have the opportunity to get it right.