We grew up with an image of love mostly created by our mothers not realizing that we actually learn more about love from our fathers. It might surprise you, but if you look honestly at your father you will see how much of the true image of love came from him. There is a reason for that. God is called our Father. He is True Love. This gift is given to every man and if man does not act against it then this gift brings fruits.
A father's love is not about babysitting and crying together with a child. This is a tough love that is based on honesty and sacrifice. It is a love that reflects the love of God, who gave His only begotten son for us. This love doesn't complain, doesn't cry because things went wrong. It is a father who protects his family and at the same time wisely exposes his children to the reality of life making his offspring emotionally strong.
This is the part of creation that always amazes me--the amount of wisdom God placed in a man. Even in the priestly life, this father's love is present in everything we do for our parishioners. In the name of this love a priest has to show the truth of the spiritual battle between good and evil that takes place in us. A good father doesn't keep his children from challenges, but wisely exposes them to different obstacles helping them learn the wisdom of life. If we look at Israel we can see how God was leading them through all the easy and the difficult times just to make them ready to welcome His Son. Dear Fathers, you shouldn't be afraid to show your children how to fight a spiritual battle and how to grow in strength. There is not a teacher or school or educational system in this world that can teach children to love others the way fathers love them. Therefore fathers have to remember that they will have to answer to God for this particular love. He made them an example of God's love. He gave them all the necessary skills to do it so this whole responsibility is on them.
The big lie that children do not need fathers is already bearing fruits that are destroying our society, personal lives, and manifesting depression in the children. Why? Because a father's love is more transcendental, goes deeper into our spiritual life, shows us the right direction and maked sense of things that surround us. A father's love is like an old oak that survived storms, rains, fires, and at the same time gave a shadow to all living creatures under it.
So the lessen from today is simple again. A true man, as a father, loves his family wisely.