Reflection: For our Fathers...

Today we celebrate Father's Day, a day to honor and remember our fathers, living and deceased. As Jesus prayed to the Father in heaven, let us pray to our Father in heaven for all our fathers on earth and for all our beloved priests, our spiritual fathers. 

Jesus taught the disciples to pray the Our Father:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.  Matthew 6:8

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church; 2761
"The Lord's Prayer "is truly the summary of the whole Gospel." "Since the Lord...after handling over the practice of prayer, said elsewhere, 'Ask and you will receive,' and since everyone has petitions which are peculiar to his circumstances, the regular and appropriate prayer (the Lord's Prayer) is said first, as the foundation of further desires."

As the Father loves me, so I also love you.  John 15:9

Novena to Saint Joseph for fathers and spiritual fathers

O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to thee do we raise our hearts and hands to implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favor we now implore for all our fathers, father figures and priests, our spiritual fathers.

O Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we have confidence that thy prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard before the Throne of God. Amen.

Then say the following seven times in honor of the seven sorrows and joys of Saint Joseph:

V. O Glorious Saint Joseph! Through thy love for Jesus Christ and for the glory of His Name
R. Hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.
V. Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
R. Assist us!

We pray in the Name of our Heavenly Father, and of the Son Jesus, and of the Holy Spirit. Where the Holy Trinity dwells, our Blessed Mother Mary is in the center.