A "father" is a man who begets or raises a child. Today let's honor those who nurture and raise their children.

Jesus described the traits of the ideal father in what might be the world's most popular story of all time. The story is generally called "The Prodigal Son." Luke 15:11-24. In it, Jesus identifies the father as God, and the wayward son as each and every one of us.

In that Parable, God is described as a very generous, to the point of becoming “prodigal” i.e. “extremely generous” father:

• A good provider, owning a large farm with hired laborers and an abundance of material possessions with which to care for his family.
• A generous spirit, giving his son his inheritance before his own death.
• A deep concern for the welfare of his son who chose to take his wealth and leave home for places unknown.
• A forgiving father who accepted his son, now broke and repentant, back into the family circle.
• A loving father who ran to his son, embraced and kissed him and had a banquet to celebrate his return home.

From this parable we learn a lot about God’s love and providence which exceed the love of any earthly parent.

We learn that God is very generous to us since:

• He provides us with an earth rich in resources; enough for everyone.
• He gives us the freedom to make use of all that he has provided.
• He is concerned for our welfare more deeply then we can imagine.
• He forgives us when we repent of our many mistakes, and accepts us back into full fellowship with Him and His family.

We are indeed blessed to have such a bountiful father!

Today is the day set aside to honor the many fathers who, imitating “Our Father in Heaven”, provide, however modestly, for their families. Men who are generous, who care deeply for their wives and children, who rejoice when the children learn from their mistakes, and who express their affection freely.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY !