Topic: Catholic practices

Date originally posted: February 15, 2002

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: A. Dash

Question:  I was reading in the Bible and saw somewhere that Jesus said that we shouldn't call any man 'Father' but I know that I call the priest in my home church 'Father'.  So what's the deal with that?  If we're not supposed to, why do we call priests 'Father'?  Thanks, bob

Answer:

Thanks for the question.  The passage that you're referring too is in Matthew's gospel 2:9.  To get at the meaning of any biblical passage we have to look at the context in which we find that phrase. 

It's important to be aware of who Jesus is talking with and about whom he is talking when he says "call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven."  He is talking, we are told, "to the crowds and his disciples," and telling them that they are not to be like the scribes and Pharisees who liked to do things for show, to have roles of authority and honor.  So to use titles and roles (such as Rabbi, places of honor, Master or Father) *as they used them* in order to be noticed are not appropriate for his disciples.  It would seem then that Jesus is against using these titles when the purpose for using them is to be noticed and honored. 

If this prohibition about calling someone "father" were meant to be universal then we would not have St. Paul saying in 1 Corinthians 4:15 "For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel."  He sees himself as a spiritual father to those who come to him.

 It is in this sense that the priest can be called "father;" as spiritual guide and advisor and servant.  To use this title then is in no way against what Jesus is saying in Matthew's gospel. 

I hope this helps ... if not, just email me and we can talk about it some more. - Al Dash