March 31, 2023

De-Fathering God is a rueful mistake. Obviously, God is not a man. But God – the First Person of the Trinity – is Father. We know this because Jesus called God “Father.” “This, then, is how you should pray: “’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’” (Matthew 6:9)

God – whom Jesus also compares to a mother hen (Luke 13:34) re-parents you. Maybe you had a great father, but that father, being human, failed you in some way. I have three grown children whom I love and delight in, but I know I have let them down, just like every other father in the world. Or maybe you have had a traumatic relationship with your father. Then, it is even more important to call God by the intimate name of Abba.

And, God is our Father, and thus we are all connected.

“Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany)