Fatherhood Originates in Love, Not in Power

Homily for the 10^th Sunday after Pentecost

1 Corinthians 4:9-16....Matthew 17:14-23

Ilyas Basim Khoury Bazzi Rahib (17th c. Iconographer, Egypt)

People have many titles for priests—reverend, pastor, vicar—but probably the one that priests like best is simply “Father” (or “Padre,” “Abouna,” etc.)  This title shows affection as well as respect.  It shows a kind of relationship that originates in love, not in power.

The title “Father” reminds us that a priest should model his life and ministry on God, our Heavenly Father—loving, just, merciful, wise, patient, forgiving, authoritative, creative.

In today’s reading from his First Letter to the people in Corinth, St Paul talks about himself and the other Apostles as fathers.  He contrasts them with other people, showing how they imitate Christ in their lives, enduring disrespect, hunger, poverty, persecution, and insults—and giving in return love, blessings, and kindness.  He says that although “you might have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers.  Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through the Gospel.  So I appeal to you—be imitators of me.”

St Paul emphasizes the special role of a father—a spiritual father, a father in faith—and asks the people to imitate his life.  He means that they should not worry about reputation or what people will think, but should do what is right.  He means that they should live according to the will of God, not according to the way of the world or the customs of their town or country.  He means that they should not be angry with one another, or judge one another, but should respect one another and live in peace.  They should take care of each other, and not think only of themselves.

And they should acknowledge legitimate authority.  Paul and the other Apostles didn’t act on their own; their ministrycame from the power of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Today’s Gospel reading illustrates this clearly:  the disciples could not cast out the demon that afflicted the epileptic boy, and they asked Jesus why.  He responded that they lacked enough faith, which has to be sustained by prayer and fasting.  It seems that they had thought they had healing power on their own, independent of the Lord.

In the same way, a priest does not act on his own; he has to be solidly grounded in faith sustained by prayer and fasting.  He follows the teachings of the Church, the true faith embodied in Holy Tradition, and the directions of his bishop.  Bishops also act in accordance with the authority of their Metropolitans and Patriarchs and the Pope to discern and follow and transmit true belief that comes from God Himself.  If they have questions or disagreements, they pray about them, consult the Holy Bible and the writings of the Fathers of the Church.  They meet to discuss the issues and decide what to do.  This is what we mean when we talk about “synodality.”  This process of discernment in faith never changes the truth, which is established by God, but it brings the Church to better understanding of the truth.

The local church—the parish—works this way, too, with the priest as the father, caring for his family with love, teaching them by word and example, and guiding them toward a better relationship with God and with one another.  But if necessary he disciplines those who break the rules, and exercises his authority not just as the guardian but also as the father in Christ, whom we thank and praise and glorify with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and ever and to ages of ages.  Amen.