When I was first ordained a deacon, I served alongside a priest who was deeply loved.
He had been at our parish for sixteen years—a spiritual father to many.
But in the Church, things change.
Canon law reminds us that no one stays forever.
Even good things must be held lightly.
When it came time for him to be reassigned, he refused.
He broke his vows publicly.
Eventually, he left the priesthood.
The community was heartbroken.
Rumors spread—even about me.
I had to remain silent. And silence can be misunderstood
And I learned a painful truth:
We must never confuse the gift with the Giver.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Call no man father.”
He’s not rejecting titles—He’s purifying authority.
He’s reminding us: our journey of faith must be rooted in God alone.
We walk with mentors, yes.
We walk with priests and leaders.
But we walk toward the one Father who never leaves.
So when we call a priest “Father,” we do so knowing he is not the source—he is the sign.
And we, as brothers and sisters, walk together toward Christ, who leads us home.
Let us hold all things lightly.
Let us walk with God.
A daily surrender that says, “Here I am, Lord.”
Lord,
You are the One who calls,
the One who sends,
the One who stays.
Purify my love,
so that every relationship points back to You.
Make me a servant,
a brother, a sister,
a child of the Father who never leaves.
Here I am, Lord.
Lead me home.
Amen.
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