"The Beauty and Strength of Fatherhood. A Special Reflection After Father's Day"

Fathers

As we reflect on the day after Father’s Day, we pray that many fathers were blessed to spend meaningful time with their families. What a blessing it is to be a true father.

Before we dive deeper into this reflection, I would like to take a moment to personally honor my own father—a man who has been a living example of manhood, perseverance, and sacrifice. He showed me how to endure trials and tribulations within marriage, how to overcome life’s challenges, and, most importantly, what it truly means to be a father. Our family was blessed beyond measure to have the man we called “Dad.”

Many of you may feel the same way about your fathers. And while every journey is unique, one truth remains: there is great beauty in honoring our parents, as the scripture teaches:

“Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:2-4

Despite the sacred role of fathers, society often overlooks Father’s Day compared to other holidays. According to some reports, Father’s Day ranks only 10th or 11th in terms of recognition. You can feel the difference—the energy, the advertisements, the sales promotions—they simply don’t carry the same weight. Why? Because men, by nature, are often simple and humble. Most fathers don't require grand gifts or fanfare. What they desire most is respect, to know that their families are safe, cared for, and thriving. That is the real reward.

A true father will often put aside his own happiness to ensure that the family he created is supported, protected, and provided for. He knows there are lives that depend on him. Many men don’t express the weight they carry, not because they don’t feel it, but because they are wired to endure without complaint. Still, even though men may not be as expressive, they have feelings too—and yes, they appreciate being appreciated.

For many fathers, a simple “thank you,” or “I appreciate you, Dad,” means more than any tie or coffee mug ever could. That acknowledgment alone fills a man’s heart with strength to continue his daily sacrifice. It’s important to remember that while marketing giants make enormous profits off holidays like Christmas and Mother’s Day, fathers often stand in the background, not driven by material gain, but by duty, responsibility, and love.

Yet, we must be careful not to allow society’s commercial standards to undervalue the importance of fatherhood. This imbalance is not what God intended. Both fathers and mothers deserve honor and respect, and neither should be exalted at the expense of the other. When we diminish the role of fathers, we harm the very fabric of the family and, ultimately, the stability of our communities.

To all the fathers out there: Thank you for standing on the front lines. Even when the world doesn’t see you, your light shines through the lives of your children, your families, and your communities. You are recognized. You are valued.

And for those who may be estranged from their children or have struggled along the journey—know this: it’s never too late to repair, to reconnect, and to move forward with love, humility, and God at the center of your heart. There is no weight too heavy and no challenge too great when God leads the way.

Thank you, fathers, for being the quiet strength, the unshakable rock, and the loving presence that holds families together. We see you, we honor you, and we love you.