CRichards wrote:
I have familiarized myself with the Catholic defenses for Jesus's statement "Call no man Father" in Matthew 23.9 as I have had to defend my faith with my dear non-Catholic friends who are sincerely concerned and affected by my conversion to the Catholic faith in 2016. I have defended it based on what I have read, that it is a sacrificial fatherhood, out of love and care and not a power grab or lordship like the pharisees. It was demonstrated by Paul and Christ referencing some disciples as "son" or "children". But still I am inwardly uneasy, with so many other ways to address a priest, "Reverend, Pastor" why not go with these so there is no hint of blatant contradiction to the scriptures? Then last weekend during casual kitchen conversation, my 18 y/o Lutheran son stumps me "Mom, Jesus never allowed himself to be called 'Father' reserving that title only for God, then why is it okay for priest?" He allowed himself to be called 'Rabbi" (teacher), and "Lord" but never "Father", insisting this title be for God alone. Please help.
The context tells us that it is a question of authority. Brothers do not call each other "father." Among believers, the greatest is the one who serves just as Jesus came to serve not to be served. The servants of Jesus serve him and serve one another; they do not exalt themselves to positions where they are Teachers of all or Leaders of all or Father of all. They know they are servants and they have one who is their high authority - the Father, and they have one who is their Teacher and Leader, Jesus. Because of this, none of them are to be exalted in a position above one another. In fact, the way of Christ is to do the opposite and to serve others as higher than themselves. Paul said the same thing. So because they are brothers who serve one another, as Jesus said, they call no one father except our God and Father in heaven. They do not seek positions of authority but how to serve one another.
You know that the
rulers of the Gentiles
lord it over them, and their great men exercise
authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
Matthew 20
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in
Moses’ seat.... do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all
brothers. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. 11 But the greatest among you shall be
your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.