06/21/2020
In the New Testament, Joseph - the earthly father of Christ, never speaks a word, yet his impact on the world is undeniable. As a man of deep faith and conviction, he stands by Mary, even when the cost is high, and commits to raising the Son of God in faith and love. The circumstances surrounding his fatherhood were far from traditional, far from 'ideal' - but he stepped up into his call to fatherhood and in doing so, reflected the heart of our Heavenly Father to us all. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Today, in a special way, let us be grateful for those men who love us, support us, and take on the paternal role of guiding us through life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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O Lord our God, creator of heaven and earth, through your Son Jesus Christ you have revealed yourself as a heavenly Father to all of your children. Bless, we pray, all earthly fathers. Strengthen them to nurture, protect, and guide the children entrusted to their care. Instill within them the virtues of love and patience. May they be slow to anger and quick to forgive. And through the ministrations of your Holy Spirit, may all fathers be strong and steadfast examples of faithfulness, responsibility, and loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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A Collect from Fr. Bryan Owen ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Art Credit: Georges de La Tour: Christ with St Joseph in the Carpenter’s Shop, c. 1642 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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