By Fr. Mathew Thankachen, O.Praem –
Pope Francis, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declared the ‘Year of St. Joseph’ with a theme, ‘Patris Corde’, the Heart of Father from 8th Dec. 2020 until 8th Dec. 21, the Feast of Immaculate Conception. Needless to state the modern culture of ‘Nihilism’ is badly in need of striking an equilibrium between the patriarchal and matriarchical culture.
Christianity took its root from the Semitic culture and religion in which God was the ‘the king and Father of the Nations’. The God of the Old Testament (O.T.) was experienced as both ‘compassionate and punitive’, ‘Blessing and Cursing’ depending upon ‘Obedience or disobedience’ of the Law of the Lord.
The first leader, Yahweh chose was re-named from ‘Abram’, (Gen11) the wanderer, the fighter, to ‘Abraham’ (Abu-rehem/(Hebr) rehumani (Arab)) (Gen,17,12), the ‘Father of the Heart/ womb). Even, Jacob’s name was changed into “ Is- rra- el”, (the man who fought with Elohim). To vindicate his ‘affectionate relationship’ he made with ‘Elohim” (name attributed to Yahweh in the North), Jacob not only asked his name and received his blessing, but built an Altar for God, naming the place, ‘Peniel’ (Gen32). Even the very word, ‘El’ in Ugaritic language means, “Father of years”.
All through the ‘Patriarchal history, we find the theme of ‘Faithful love’ of Yahweh (Hesed Gk.) running through, despite the unfaithfulness of Israel. In the whole history of ‘Exiles and deportations’ into Assyria and Babylon, the Prophets down the centuries had reminded them to recall this ‘compassionate love of God’ which is best expressed in Hosea ch.11 where God is presented as a ‘Father’ (Pater) who teaches Israel as a child how to walk and takes care every step from falling.
However, the psychologists are of the opinion that the ‘bitter memories’ clings on to man deeper than the ‘sweet memories’. And no wonder, the Father figure of the Yahweh of O.T. becomes a God of Thunder and Lightning, rather than the ‘gentle breeze’. As kings were the ‘representative’ of God here on earth in the Semitic and later, the Afro-Asian culture, the Father in the family represented God to such an extent, the ‘husbands in the Semitic culture were called ‘my Lord’ by the wives. Later, this title was attributed to the ‘Bishops and Judges’ as they were the protectors of the people.
It is interesting to note that in Malayalam language, the ‘guardian’ in the official language is translated as the ‘one who saves’ (Raksha-Kartha). This psychical disposition of ‘protection’ of Father brought about ‘superiority complex’ among the Fathers and ‘Inferiority complex’ among the ‘dependents’. Thus, a sense of ‘slavery and subjugation’ began to prevail in the Jewish society until the days of Jesus Christ. Thus, women and children were considered inferior to man in the family and social circle. We see how Jesus struggles to bring about a cultural change of ‘universality, Catholicism in his teaching when he calls God the Father and all his children.
St. Paul further develops this theme when he says, “there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Gal.3,28.).
All through the N.T., we find how Jesus becomes the fulfilment of the O.T. both through his life, teaching and Mission. His relationship with God becomes so affable that he calls him ‘Abba’ and ‘pour out his heart’ in times of agony as does with a human daddy. His very life was the reflection of an ‘affectionate Father’ with ‘caring, sharing, compassion and pity’. He not only prepares the ‘supper’ for his disciples, but prepares ‘breakfast after his Resurrection. Such was the ‘care’ of the good Shepherded. ‘The parable of the ‘prodigal son’(Lk.15) is the classical example of a ‘forgiving, compassionate’ nature of a Father.
In our contemporary society, the ‘Father figure’ is diminishing from families. There are many contributory factors such as the migration of fathers for better job abroad, rise the women taking up more responsibilities, etc. The economic and educational self- sufficiency of both the partners, disparity of economic income between father and mother, bringing about domestic conflicts are some of factors affecting the narrowing down of the role of Father in the families. In some families, the mother is forced upon to play the role of father.
In the aforesaid context, it is utmost important that the ‘dignity of fathers’ be restored in the family and Church. Although in the Bible and in the tradition of the Church, more importance is paid to Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ, the role and dignity of St. Joseph as the Father(guardian) in the Holy Family cannot but be emphasized.
The ‘heart of St. Joseph’, ever seeking the will of God foregoing all social stigma, his deep sensibility not to humiliate anyone in public, his courage and faith in protecting the family despite threat to life from Herod, the king; and above all, his sincerity as a carpenter (tektōn (τέκτων) (Gk) ( Thachan Mal.) to run the family etc, are praiseworthy to imitate. May, through the intercession of St. Jospeh, the guardian of the Church empower our men-folk to lead a life of Patris Corde.