A Change of Perspective: Father and Son

By Julie Dinise, in formation with the

Fr. Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata

“How has being a dad changed your understanding of God, the Father?” I recently asked a good friend who is married, and has two beautiful children with his wife.  Without words, he gently leaned his forehead against the forehead of his 2-year-old daughter, and they looked in each other’s eyes and smiled.  There they remained for quite some time, happy and joyful in the gaze of the father’s love.

This beautiful answer reminded me of a similar event.

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.  On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.  And a voice came from the heavens, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’ (Mark 1:9-11)

At Jesus’ baptism, Sacred Scripture reveals to us a most intimate moment between the Father and His beloved Son.  It is a gaze of love, encouragement, and joy shared by both Father and Son. While humans can only see the outer appearance, the Father looks beyond into the heart and soul to see Jesus’s true identity: Son of the Father.  In revealing this true identity, the Father also loves Him in it.  He loves Jesus simply for who he is.

Many people ask themselves the question, “How does God see me?”  It seems that so many people believe God is disappointed, angry, or upset with them - because they feel this way about themselves.  But not as humans see does God see.  

This Father’s Day, let us ask God our Father for a change of perspective, to help us see ourselves as he sees us: his beloved son, his beloved daughter.  May we praise the Father for loving us each simply for who we are as his sons and daughters, bearers of his glorious image and likeness.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we see our earthly fathers as God sees them.  May they be blessed as we offer thanksgiving for the gift of life they gave to us.  May we adore and bless the Father who never abandons us, but consoles us with his presence, within us, along the journeys of life.  May the gaze of love between the Father and us bring joy, peace, and life to the whole world.