This weekend includes not only Father's Day, but also the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost . . . a time to focus on mission and how it is that the followers of Jesus (you and I) are to proclaim the gospel message through both word and deed. Jesus tells us that discipleship is not an easy nor a simple assignment. But Jesus also tells his disciples, "Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10:19-20)

The truth is, that often the most difficult individuals to witness to, are our very own families. There are greater challenges and greater obstacles to effective witnessing, within that group of people who are the ones we love the most! Yet, Father's Day is a reminder to those of us who are "dads," that one of the most important witness we give in our entire, lives is our witness to our own children . . not just with what we say to them, but how we act toward them and relate to them.

There is no question that an involved father can make all the difference in the lives of their children. That love and care can be the deciding factor in helping a child become who they were created to be. The truth is that when our hearts are filled with security and trust in a dad who loves us, we stop living in order to get our father's approval, and begin to live our lives from his approval. Our assurance of our father's unconditional love enables us to become the person we were created to be and, in the process, bring wonderful feelings to the hearts of our own fathers. Our role as father is an earthly image for our children. It is an awesome responsibility. What more important witness of faith for a disciple is there than the spiritual care of our own children!

Pastoral Candidate Info St. John's

A Prayer for Pentecost V and Fathers Day... "God of compassion, you have opened the way for us and brought us to yourself. Pour your love into our hearts, that, overflowing with joy, we may freely share the blessings of your realm and faithfully proclaim the good news of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. We are God's people and the sheep of God's pasture." Amen.