Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. Mt. 11:26-27
Yep, that's my dad. I'm Chuck's son. Whether at sports, the store or at some worksite, I often remember claiming my Dad as my Dad. In that moment, I also identified myself as belonging to him. This meant that my behavior, language, work-ethic and countless other parts of my life would reflect him and be tied into him. Today we remember St. Kateri Tekawitha who demonstrated today's Gospel passage in such a powerful way. The life and example of the Lily of the Mohawks reveals that you and I are truly called to claim God the Father as our Father and thus reconcile ourselves with being His beloved children. This identity separates us from others, as it did St. Kateri. This identity empowers us, connects us, and ultimately brings out more within us than we knew possible. I encourage you to practice today naming God the Father as your own Father. Recognize His attentiveness to you in this day and delight in coming to know that the Father attends to you as His beloved.
How might I claim in a tangible way today that I am the beloved daughter or son of my divine Father?
Father, generously reveal your love for me as you did with St. Kateri.
Today's Reflection is by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did you know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
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