Yesterday we looked at how fathers are, in a certain sense, superheroes.
They teach their children ideals and values such as humility, self-sacrifice, and responsibility.
Superman can fly.
Iron Man is nearly invulnerable.
Spider-Man can swing from webs.
Batman is a highly-trained super detective with a large bank account.
But what superpowers do you have as a father?
Whether you find the superhero analogy tacky or quite helpful, take in all the truths that today’s— and all the following day’s— readings have in store for you.
Then be attentive as the Lord leads you in living out your role as a father from the truths you have learned.
Many fathers do not realize that they possess superpowers.
They believe that their main job is to be strict and enforce rules.
They believe that they can’t be too emotional with their kids, and that they have to make sure their sons are tough.
They believe their only powers involve working hard, paying the mortgage, and providing for their families.
Although fathers can be excellent providers and must teach their children discipline, these are not powers most particular to their role.
Here are three key superpowers that fathers have the responsibility to use for their family:
- Super-affirmation.
Just as God the Father breathed life into Adam and asked him to take care of the land and the animals, fathers breathe life into their children through words of affirmation.
When a father delights in his child, a child receives the greatest gift imaginable.
When a father sees his child, knows his child, and delights in his child, he creates a sense of safety and fosters a positive sense of self-worth in that child.
Children need to know that their fathers are pleased with them.
Even Jesus himself received the affirmation from his Father, who said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22).
Notice that God the Father affirms Jesus before the beginning of his mission.
The affirmation precedes Jesus’ actions.
In other words, we affirm the person, not their achievements.
As husbands, fathers should also use the power of super-affirmation with their wives.
When a child sees their father affirming their mother, it creates a sense of safety for them and shows them how to affirm others.
Importantly for husbands, this also creates a positive relationship with one’s wife. - Super-generosity.
Fathers enjoy giving gifts to the people they love.
They often put themselves second and delight in the pleasure and well-being of others.
They give to charities, they offer their service to people in need, and they love with their whole heart. - Super-compassion.
Compassion is not a feminine trait.
A father’s compassion is like a balm for any wound, a comfort for any distress, and an encouragement for any fear.
As you read about your responsibility to live our these superpowers for your family, do not foster any fear.
St. Francis de Sales famously warned against anxiety and said that God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things, and when you cannot stand it, he will hold you in his arms.
The Psalms are filled with descriptions of God as kind, merciful, slow to anger, and gracious.
These are all examples of a father’s superpowers.
There are many more, but for now, begin to practice the superpowers of affirmation, generosity, and compassion in particular.
As you do so, take notice of the powerful and positive effects these have on the lives of your children– both immediately and, even more so, over time.
