This Sunday is Father’s Day Sunday!  I’m not naïve, though.  It’s probably going to look a little different than Mother’s Day Sunday.  

Mother’s Day arrives like a royal procession.  Churches are packed.  Flowers appear everywhere.  Hallmark works overtime.  Grown adults suddenly remember to call home. 

Then Father’s Day shows up a month later and it feels like: “Oh, right… fathers.  We should probably do something about that.” 

Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating.  I’m pretty biased on this one, after all.

Part of the challenge is that mothers and fathers often receive very different cultural treatment.  Mothers are rightly celebrated for their nurturing, sacrifice, and unconditional love.  Fathers, meanwhile, are frequently portrayed as lovable goofballs who can’t locate the ketchup in their own refrigerator.  “Ah dad…It’s right here.  Let me get that for you.”

I wonder what one person in particular would make of that: Joseph.

Did you know that Joseph never says a single word in the biblical record?  Not one.  In a world where everybody seems to be talking, Joseph simply shows up, listens for God’s guidance, and does what needs to be done.

When an angel tells him to stay with Mary, he does.  When danger threatens his family, he gets up in the middle of the night and heads to Egypt.  When it is time to return home, he does that too.  Joseph’s faith is not loud, flashy, or attention-seeking.  It is steady, dependable, and deeply loving.

In other words, Joseph demonstrates a truth that many fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, coaches, and father figures know well: sometimes the most important acts of love happen quietly.

Father’s Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate all those who have helped guide, encourage, protect, teach, and support others.  Some are biological fathers.  Some are grandfathers.  Some are uncles, teachers, coaches, neighbors, or church members who stepped into someone’s life at exactly the right moment.

Their contributions may not always make headlines.  They may not even get a properly fitting tie.  But their influence matters.

So this Father’s Day, let’s give thanks for the people who have shown us strength without domination, guidance without control, and love without conditions. 

And let us remember Joseph; that quiet carpenter who raised the Savior of the world and proved that faithfulness does not have to be loud to be powerful.

And if Father’s Day still gets a little less attention than Mother’s Day, that’s okay.  I’m betting Joseph probably wouldn’t have wanted the spotlight anyway.

See you in church,

–Rev. Dominic