Jesus says, “Call no one on earth your father.”

His words are pure, simple, and clear. So, why do Catholics call priests “father”? Doesn’t this go against what Jesus said? Taken at face value, it would. We need to look at the context in which Jesus speaks.

This gospel passage begins, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.” They are leaders in the church. By the nature of their position, they have God-given authority. That’s why Jesus says, “do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you.” What they teach is real.

So, what’s the problem?

Jesus continues, “but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not not practice.” On another occasions Jesus will call them hypocrites. They know what they say but they choose not to follow it themselves. As we read in the first reading, the priests were not listening and taking the Lord’s words to heart, even causing others to falter.

Here I would like to make a very important distinction. These particular scribes and Pharisees to whom Jesus is speaking about have made a conscious choice in the way they live. Preaching one thing and choosing doing another is what makes them hypocrites. That doesn’t make everyone who falls short of doing what they are supposed to is a hypocrite.

We are human. We are weak. At times we fail to live up to the standard we teach. I know at times I don’t live up to what I preach. It’s not that I don’t try. I fall short. That’s why I go to confession myself. It’s also what makes it so that I can sympathize with those who come in need of God’s forgiveness.

The scribes and the Pharisees “tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.” They elevate their own status. They think their position puts them above helping others.

What does all this have to do with Catholics calling priests ‘father”?

Titles are often used to bestow honor upon a person. The word “rabbi” means teacher. We call some people today “teacher” and we see nothing wrong with that. They are teachers. However, the people who Jesus is speaking about sought the titles for honor. They sought the prestige of the title. That is pride and pride is a deadly sin.

They sought “places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi’ out of pride. This is why Jesus said call no one “rabbi.”

The Jews still use the term “rabbi” today. No one faults them. We call our dads “father.” No one objects to that. So what’s the problem with calling Catholic priests “father”? Because some have sought it as an honor.

Protestants often call their ordained leaders “pastor.” The title signifies their role and can be fitting. However, one might seek for the honor. That would be no different than a Catholic priest wanting to be called “father” for the honor.

Is it an honor to be chosen by God to serve as a priest? Yes, but it is not an honor based on my own greatness. I am weak. I am not perfect. I can only be a priest because God bestows grace on me to do so.

When I hear the term “father” used, what I think of is responsibility. Being a priest is a huge responsibility. I am called to lead people to Jesus. I must not mess up and led them astray (see Ezekiel 3:17-21). I must not be a bad shepherd (see Ezekiel chapter 34).

If calling a priest “father” is not about honor, then why do we call them “father”? Why do we call someone a teacher? Because they teach us. It is their role to teach us. Why do we call our dads “father”? Because it is their role to care for us. Why do we call priests “father”? Because they are to watch over, protect, and teach their people like a father does for his children. Priests serve as our spiritual fathers.

Pray for your priests. Pray for me to do God’s Will in all things.

Peace,

Fr. Jeff