This weekend we celebrate Father’s Day! As we have been approaching this day, the retail industry has been hyping all kinds of gifts that are appropriate this year. The best line I have seen is that Dad doesn’t need another tie!!!

But what Dads really need is appreciation and love for their devotedness and ways they provide for their families. I was looking at some pictures of my own Dad recently and felt the warmth of his love wash over me. Although he died thirty years ago next month, he lives on in my memory and my heart. Dads have a profound influence upon our lives they truly form us into the people we become.

So today we remember and celebrate all Fathers…living and deceased. And we pray for them and especially for those who are troubled and find life burdensome. May God bless them all.

Coincidentally, this weekend we also celebrate the Feast of the Holy Trinity which certainly highlights God the Father. He is the first and most profound example of what a Father is all about: The One who provides for us, who loves us deeply, and ensures that one day we will be with Him for all eternity. God so generously sent His Son among us to bring salvation; and whose Spirit remains with us all of our days. There is much mystery about God but these things we do know for sure.

God demands no gifts nor does He need them. What He asks for is what every father wants: our love, respect and devotion.

So let’s honor all our Fathers today, including God our Father, and thank them for the gift of life they have shared with us.