June 15, 2025: Father's Day Loses Out

Father's Day Loses out

We celebrate dads this weekend, but honestly, the recognition pales in comparison to Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day gets a month-long marketing campaign, emotional TV ads, and brunch reservations made in April. Dads get: “Wait… is that this weekend?”

Cards for Mother’s Day take up multiple sections and are filled with beautiful imagery, poetry, and glitter. Cards for Father’s Day take up one section—and most include something about fishing, sleeping, or passing gas. Moms might get elegant scarves, tasteful jewelry, or luxury pajamas. Dads might get a T-shirt that says, “I’m not sleeping, I’m just resting my eyes.”

But we’re not here to compete. We’re here to celebrate—not just dads, but also the Trinity. And there’s something similar in both.

Fr. Karl Rahner, one of the major theologians of the 20th century, once wrote: “The doctrine of the Trinity has ceased to be a matter of practical importance for most Christians. If it were to be removed as a false doctrine, the major part of religious literature could well remain virtually unchanged.” Meaning… if the Trinity were to disappear, most Christians wouldn’t notice. And let’s be honest—he has a point. We know about the three members—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—but we usually don’t consider them together, except when making the sign of the cross or at baptisms. We say it more out of habit than out of understanding.

The Trinity is about relationships. Each person of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—exists in deep unity and love. A divine team, working in perfect sync. So when Jesus says in today’s Gospel: “Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:15) He's not just explaining divine mechanics. He's talking about a relationship—and that relationship includes us.

The Trinity is about relationship—Father to Son to Spirit—and that love spills outward to include the whole world. Think of the Trinity as God for us, God with us, God in us.

God the Father is for us. We don’t have a vengeful or angry God. As the first of John says tells us, “God is love.”(1 John 4:8) God wants good things for you. In the first reading from Proverbs, Wisdom speaks: “I was his delight day by day... and I found delight in the human race.” (Proverbs 8:30–31) God delights in us. That’s not distance—that’s closeness.

God the Son is with us. This is Jesus—who knows what you’re feeling. He cried when his friend Lazarus died. He knows what it’s like to be betrayed, denied, gossiped about. He even knows the feeling of things not working out as planned. Whatever you’re dealing with—you are not alone.

God the Holy Spirit is in us. As Paul writes in the second reading from Romans: “The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) The Spirit is not just around us—but in us. It’s the power behind our hope, the breath of our conscience, and the fire of our transformation. The Spirit is not going to give up on you. Don’t give up on yourself.

So Dads… Take the Trinity’s Cue. Dads today—and every day—try copying the Trinity’s motto. Be for your kids, with your kids, in your kids. Ask yourself:

Would you rather be right, or have a decent relationship with your family?
Would you rather keep giving them fish, or teach them how to fish?

Here’s how to live it out:

For your kids – affirm them. Don’t just holler or criticize. Let them know you support them, even when they mess up, make mistakes, or do something drastic—like coming out of the closet.

With your kids – show up. So what if they don’t enjoy doing what you like? Find out what they like. Ask questions instead of pretending to know everything.

In your kids – trust that your love and values are like seeds. You may not see them bloom right away, but goodness begets goodness. St. Oscar Romero once wrote this about prayer, but I think it applies to fatherhood too: “We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise... We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.”

In the End… It’s About Trust. Remember:

God is not distant.
God wants a closeness with you.
God is a relationship—for you, with you, in you. Trust that.

And to all the dads out there doing your best—relax, smile more, be of joy.
You are part of this holy work.
You are loved by the Trinity.
Now go show that love to the world!