Whats in a day?
This coming Sunday is known as Fathers Day.
Which, just as every other humanly named or allocated day, can bring many different feelings into the mix for each and every one of us.
I wanted to share some thoughts around this that hopefully not only honour the wonderful earthly fathers of every form that are here among us but also to hold space for those that are no longer with us. To think of those who want to be fathers themselves but may never be, or those who are not able to be fathers in the way they had hoped. I also want to hold up in prayer those fathers who grieve the loss of their children, a loss that this year for my own friends is all too real.
Life is complex - and is not easily or readily defined by naming a day or a sending a card (how ever gratefully received).
This Sunday, June the 16th 2024, is also the feast of the Sacred heart, this is a feast day that is literally a 'moveable feast' - as it falls relative to the second Sunday after Pentecost.
This feast is noted as being when Jesus appeared to Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque. Jesus revealed ways to venerate (regard with respect) His Sacred Heart and explained the immense love He has for humanity, appearing with His heart visible outside His chest, on fire, and surrounded by a crown of thorns.
These visions continued for 18 months.
There was something I felt as I wrote this, about the conjoining of these celebrations or feasts that seems that little bit more significant this year.
The radiating love of a burning heart surrounded by the potentially sharp and painful thorns.
I wondered if on one level the juxtaposition is significant and relevant to the many uncertainties in this world and the people that do their best to carry the light and keep the love of God burning brightly in the midst of hardships;
wars creating turmoil and angst, the melting pot of emotions of daily life in this era, the uncertainty of elections, the hurt of deception (the recent 'scandals' that have been so purposefully hidden regardless of the cost to those involved), the hope differed for so many - especially in this immediate gratification culture - that might feel as though they are stretched to breaking. The earthly thorns - the world and all its pressures, limitations, fears and expectation, trying to squish and restrain that love.
Perhaps this vision is also significant of the purity of His love, the hope and the passion behind this message. The courageous love radiating out through (or despite) the thorns. Given Jesus was not a biological or earthly father, this pure love feels as though it could be alike to all of the wishes and dreams a person might have in anticipation for meeting their new born child, when everything feels possible and limitless.
It reminds me a little of a book, aimed at children, called 'No Matter What' by Debbie Gliori (which if you find a copy I encourage you to read with a 'God' glasses on if the moment takes you).
On this earthly 'fathers day' we are reminded of the love - a literal burning, chest on fire love - that Jesus has for us.
A love that is surrounded by thorns. Not cotton wool, finest silk or fluffy clouds. Nonetheless though a love that can't be extinguished or dampened, broken, limited or restrained. A real love that exists alongside/because of/through/despite/overcoming the crown of thorns.
(I invite you to reflect on which word/s feel right to you, I think there are even more but God knows which one speaks into your life).
Jesus said to Sister Margaret
"I promise you that My heart shall expand itself to shed in abundance the influence of its divine love upon those who shall thus honour it, and cause it to be honoured"
So on this fathers day, my hope as we share our thoughts and feelings with God in prayer and worship, and as we honour His love for us, is that we feel a little more seen, feel a little more loved and receive a little more of His peace.
Seen and loved by the Father who loves us and has all of us in the palm of His hand. Illuminating us with His love, through His only Son, burning so brightly that nothing not even a crown of sharp spiky thorns can prevent it from radiating though to reach us.
With blessings
Nicki
This Fathers Day, we give thanks for our fathers. We pray for all those who raise children, and for those for whom today is difficult. However you may spend this day, I pray you feel welcomed into the loving embrace of God.
Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury 2023.
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