Last week I wrote about how we encounter the face of God in our everyday lives.

I wonder if you had the chance to notice!

This Sunday we are celebrating Father’s Day; another opportunity to think about how we encounter the face of God. Some of us have experienced the face of God through our parents. Can you recall a time when you experienced the face of God through your father?

When reflecting with some children about how their Dad shows the face of God in their lives, here are their responses.

My dad reads me a story nearly every night and then tucks me in.

My dad helps me practice shooting goals.

My dad tells me he loves me.

My dad helps me with my school work.

My dad is patient with me when I don’t understand how to do my maths work.

My dad taught me how to ride a bike.

My dad helps me to put on a band- aid when I fall over

My dad listens to me when I am upset.

There are so many wonderful ways that fathers show the face of God to others.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have some images/ photos of how we have encountered the face of God in our homes over the last term? There are some examples above as well as those spoken about last week such as:

· a joyous moment when the children were all laughing together?

· patience or kindness you saw an older sibling show towards a younger sibling?

· the smiling face of a family member you saw across the screen?

Is it possible for you to send me some photos of how you have noticed the face of God experienced in your house so that we can celebrate the presence of our God amongst us in these challenging times. These photos will be used to create a display to share with our school community.Please send to breed@sbedesbn.catholic.edu.au

I will finish my message with a Blessing for Fathers.

Have a lovely week

Bernadette Reed

(Religious Education Leader)

Bless Our Fathers

Heavenly Father,

Today we ask You to bless our earthly fathers for the many times they reflected the love, strength, generosity, wisdom and mercy that You exemplify in Your relationship with us, Your children.

We honor our fathers for putting our needs above their own convenience and comfort;for teaching us to show courage and determination in the face of adversity;for challenging us to move beyond self-limiting boundaries;for modeling the qualities that would turn us into responsible, principled, caring adults.

Not all our fathers lived up to these ideals.Give them the grace to acknowledge and learn from their mistakes.Give us the grace to extend to them the same forgiveness that you offer us all.Help us to resist the urge to stay stuck in past bitterness,instead, moving forward with humility and peace of heart.

We ask your blessing on those men who served as father figures in our lives when our biological fathers weren't able to do so. May the love and selflessness they showed us be returned to them in all their relationships,and help them to know that their influence has changed us for the better.

Give new and future fathers the guidance they need to raise happy and holy children,grounded in a love for God and other people -and remind these fathers that treating their wives with dignity, compassion and respect is one of the greatest gifts they can give their children.

We pray that our fathers who have passed into the next life have been welcomed into Your loving embrace,and that our family will one be day be reunited in your heavenly kingdom.In union with St. Joseph,whom you entrusted with Your Son,we ask Your generous blessings today and every day.

Amen.

- Tony Rossi

Reflection

Fathers Day Reflection