June 21, 2020: 12th Sunday A (Father's Day)
When I think back to my childhood, I don’t recall times when I actually thanked my dad for what he did every day. Out of selfishness, I was more embarrassed that my dad was not as cool as other kids’ dads. How could a child understand and appreciate that his dad gave up a comfortable job as an owner of an independent pharmacy in South Korea and work instead as a carpet installer, convenience store clerk, and a restaurant cook to make ends meet in a new land in an unfamiliar English language? There were many times that I should have thanked him. On one occasion he returned home from work and he was bruised and his eyeglasses were broken. He had been beaten up by robbers when he went to throw out the trash. The next day he mustered up the courage and went back to work; his love for the family overcame the fear and trauma of being robbed the previous night. He is almost 80 years old, and he is still working; he takes immense pleasure in sending birthday gifts to his grandkids in Maryland and proud to say to his co-workers that his son is a Catholic priest.
As we celebrate Father’s Day, it’s good to thank our fathers who love their family. Just as the role of a father is both a privilege and a responsibility, the role of a Christian disciple is a privilege and a responsibility. Jesus said in our Gospel today that his disciples should expect rejection, hardships, and difficult trials. While fear may overcome his disciples at such times, Jesus reminded them not to fear for the Heavenly Father values them and His love and Spirit will always be present. We all know that fear is a powerful force which can lead people to panic and to abandon their mission. Out of fear, we may compromise what is right, good, and just, especially in the face of opposition and evil. However, godly fear can also spur us to deeper faith and just action, bearing the fruits of spiritual maturity and wisdom. Let us remember that we are not only disciples of Jesus, but we are also apostles of Jesus; not only to follow the footsteps of Jesus but also sent forth to accomplish the Father’s mission. We are called to live out our baptismal promises by our acts of love, forgiveness, and self-giving. We are called to acknowledge Jesus before others. We are to witness the transformation that he has brought into our own lives--a life of mercy, joy, and compassion.
Living for God often brings on trials and tribulations, but with it comes the opportunity to tell the Good News of Salvation. We can always be confident because Jesus has overcome the evil of the world. Bernice was only five years old when she lost her father. She grew up reading about what her dad did for this country. She said, "In 1968 my father was one of the most hated men in America, and now he's one of the most beloved men in the world," She was talking about her dad, Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King faced many tribulations and even death threats. He understood the gravity of what Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” He understood that evil and temptations discourage and accuse us in our walk of faith. One of the powerful sayings of Dr. King is, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
How many of us remained silent when negative racial remarks were made in a conversation or when a person of color was verbally put down? How many of us didn’t flinch when inappropriate racial or sexual jokes were told because we feared being disliked by our friends? Dr. King demonstrated for us what it takes to be a Christian disciple to proclaim the Kingdom of God in the face of opposition from predominantly other Christians. He reminded us that God’s Church is united as one Body of Christ--whether black, white, brown, Asian, or Latino. All are sent with one mission--to make disciples of others. The hallmark of a Christian is his or her love for a neighbor. As Our Lord said, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another” (John 13:35) On this Father’s Day, we remind ourselves again what our Heavenly Father did for us, that He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to save us. May we be faithful disciples of Jesus, not afraid to work toward justice for all.
