Simbang Gabi 2018

A husband comes home drunk and breaks some crockery; vomits and falls down on the floor. His wife pulls him up and cleans everything. On the next day when he gets up he expects her to be really angry with him. He prays that they should not have a fight. He finds a note near the table… “Honey, your favorite breakfast is ready on the table, I had to leave early to buy grocery. I’ll come running back to you, my love. I love you. … ” He gets surprised and asks his son, “What happened last night..?” His son told him, “When mom pulled you to bed and tried removing your boots and shirt you were dead drunk and you said ‘Hey Lady! Leave me alone… I am married !!!’”

My dear friends in Christ, how many fathers are there who make their family happy? Being a father is not just about fulfilling one’s social or personal role but it is by embracing the vocation which God has given him. By so doing, he makes his family happy.

Being a father means being chosen by God. Not all can become a father unless God chooses him to be one. In our Gospel, (Matthew 1:18-25), Joseph wanted to leave Mary upon knowing that she bears in her womb the son of God. But God himself did not allow Joseph to leave Mary. God through his messenger revealed the vocation of Joseph to be the human father of Jesus.

Being a father means to be consecrated, i.e., separated from among others. Once a man becomes a father, he is called to leave behind his bachelor’s life and take his responsibility over his family. A father should embrace his vocation like what Joseph did even at the point of risking his life. It is nice to see some fathers who spend their Christmas vacation with their families rather than with anybody else.

Being a father means to be committed. Fathers who are committed recognize their essential role in loving their families. They make their house a home where as fathers they protect and take care of their household members. They live and die as good fathers of their families.

We pray then during this Christmas season, all fathers would lead their families in praying to God. May all the fathers learn the way of St. Joseph in loving their families.