Sunday Sermon and Father’s Day

Gregory E. Lang

“A daughter needs a dad to be the standard against which she will judge all men.”

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A fairly gloomy muggy Sunday morning, but as always, a great day to rise and shine and give God His glory, glory. Hugs and hellos and happy faces greeting before 9 o’clock Mass.

Today is Trinity Sunday, which always makes me smile. Mom was born on or around Trinity Sunday, thus the reason for her name, Trinidad. I think she was born the Monday after. When Father was commenting on the symbolism of the Trinity, I wasn’t paying much attention. I was thinking about Mom every time he said the word Trinity. I smiled.

Father Don also had all the dads stand up for a special blessing for Father’s Day. It was nice to see so many dads, ranging in ages from white haired men with canes and walkers to the new dads proudly holding newborns in their arms, It was a wonderful sight to behold. It made me think of my own father who rarely walked inside a church. Mom took us to church. My sons rarely sat beside their father in a church pew. He moaned and protested before and after, so we usually went without him. Golf or fishing were more important. Church going and religion and prayer doesn’t always make a man a good man, or a good woman. It sure couldn’t hurt. I often wonder if that is a major missing link in the collapse of the family unit.

Aw… now I’m really smiling. My son just called so I could FaceTime with the grand-babies. Belle was getting ready for bed, reading her books and laughing. Sophie just got placed in her crib. I love our Sunday calls. But, the most wonderful moment was when Joe said that he and Belle went to Mass for Father’s Day this morning. I couldn’t help it. A few tears slipped down my cheek. I loved that it was important for him to celebrate Father’s Day at church.

My take on it… you don’t ever have to step inside a church to know God. He has to live in your heart and you should thank Him for your blessings. Share this love with your family, your children, and your friends. That’s all a church building is. It’s a place where people gather to share and show their gratitude. You can pray alone, or at home with your family, but it’s like a party or any celebration. It’s a lot more fun with a lot of people to celebrate along with you.

Happy Father’s Day to all the men and dads out there who make the world a better place.