Universal Utterings®
for November 5, 2023

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11-05-2023 Matthew 23 V-0812 Father call not anyone

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 23 v- Eight thru Twelve

8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Why do we call our priests Father? Doesn’t it say here in Matthew that we should call no one our father except God in Heaven? Some point to One John Chapter Two while others refer to our theology of traditions where a priest is called a Father in his representation of Christ as the Father of all. While it is true that Catholic priests are often referred to as "Father," the reason for this title goes beyond the interpretation of 1 John 2:13-14. The title "Father" is primarily used to emphasize the role of priests as spiritual fathers and shepherds within the Catholic Church.

In Catholic theology, priests are seen as spiritual fathers who guide and care for their parishioners, just as a father would care for his children. This understanding is rooted in the belief that the priest acts in persona Christi, meaning they represent Christ in their ministry. By using the title "Father," Catholics acknowledge and honor the priest's role as a spiritual guide and authority figure in the Church.

1 John 2:13-14, on the other hand, refers to the recipients of the letter as "fathers" in a broader sense, recognizing their spiritual maturity and experience in the faith. While there may be some parallel between the use of the term in the Bible and the title given to priests, the primary reason for calling Catholic priests "Father" comes from the understanding of their role as spiritual fathers within the Church. Now I understand but I’m sure many of you are not but I ask you to see Jesus when you see a priest then you too can submit to the notion of being guided by our Master our Teacher in Heaven for Our God The Christ and The Holy Spirit are as One representing the Father of all. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer. I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for a friend and his wife for a baby to be born has been answered; she is 26 weeks pregnant with a little boy. Praise God thank You Jesus. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

11-05-2023 Matthew 23 v-0812

**Father call not anyone**

Rabbi be not called

Teacher One have you

Brothers all truth recalled

Only Christ forever true

Father call not anyone

Heaven’s Father only One

Master called be not for fun

Master One Messiah Son

Greatest servants of all

Himself exalted then humbled

Himself humbled whoever falls

Exalted be himself crumbled

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

November 5, 2023 @ 03:33 AM EST

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