Readings:
Ephesians 3:14-19
Matthew 23:8-12
Reflection:
Someone may wonder why we should address a priest as “father.” It is one of the parents’ titles, not the priests – the servants. Even Jesus says to his disciples, “You must call no one on earth your father,” and He gives the reason, “since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven” (Matt 23:9).
In reality, we can adapt to different cultures and the meanings behind the titles. It can be the normal way of greeting respectfully rather than in a clerical or hierarchical system. The meaning behind the title is more important than the title itself because someone may address others as a ‘father’ without any respect but be teasing or kidding.
In the bible, the word, father is used to translate the Aramaic title, Abba. This title is used “for elders and also for the revered dead.” In the Gospel, according to Matthew, this title is associated with God alone. The author uses this title to distinguish between the Christian and Jewish communities. For Christians, everyone is a brother and sister, a servant to each other and the ‘Father’ should be reserved for God only.
In our daily life, I find it a bit uncomfortable when someone addresses me as a ‘father’ when I am not worthy to deserve it. But I do respect others’ cultures, which can be expressed in the language. It would be better to acknowledge that we have only one heavenly father and we are brothers and sisters in one family rather than building up different levels, which could be misunderstood and lead to temptation.
JD Tân T CP is a Vietnamese Passionist who lives and studies further at the Holy Cross Retreat, Templestowe.