Some people ask: “Doesn’t the Bible say, ‘Call no one your father on earth’ (Matthew 23:9)? Why do Catholics call priests ‘father’?” Let’s break this down logically.
1. Jesus Wasn’t Banning the Word “Father” – He Was Condemning Pride
In Matthew 23, Jesus is criticizing prideful religious leaders who loved showing off. They demanded special titles like “Rabbi” (teacher) and “father” to make themselves look superior. Jesus says:
- “They love to be greeted with respect… and to be called ‘Rabbi’” (Matthew 23:6-7).
- “Call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven” (Matthew 23:9).
Jesus’ point: Don’t use titles to act like you’re better than others or replace God’s authority. He’s using exaggerated language to condemn pride, not every use of the word “father.”
Example: If I said, “Never call anyone ‘boss’!” you’d know I mean “Don’t let anyone control you like a tyrant!” Not that we should literally never say “boss.”
2. The Bible Itself Calls People “Father” and “Teacher”
If Jesus meant we can never use “father” or “teacher,” the Bible contradicts itself. But it doesn’t!
- St. Paul says: “I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15). He also calls Timothy “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2).
- The Bible honors teachers: “God has appointed teachers in the church” (1 Corinthians 12:28). Even Jesus is called “Teacher” (John 13:13).
So clearly, Jesus isn’t banning these words. He’s warning against using them to feed pride or replace God.
3. We Call Priests “Father” for the Same Reason Kids Call Their Dad “Father”
Catholics call priests “father” because they’re spiritual fathers. Just like your dad guides and cares for you, priests guide souls, teach the faith, and give sacraments.
- Honoring parents is commanded: “Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12). Jesus repeats this (Matthew 15:4).
- Spiritual fathers exist in the Bible: St. Paul acted as a “father” to his followers (1 Thessalonians 2:11).
No Catholic thinks a priest replaces God. Just like honoring your dad doesn’t mean he’s God, calling a priest “father” doesn’t break Jesus’ rule.
4. The Church Has Always Done This – Even in the Bible!
The first Christians called their leaders “fathers.” For example:
- St. John writes to a church leader: “I am writing to you, fathers…” (1 John 2:13).
- Early Christians referred to St. Paul and other apostles as spiritual fathers.
This makes sense! Teachers, pastors, and mentors are gifts from God (Ephesians 4:11). Calling them “father” or “teacher” is about respecting their role, not worshipping them.
Conclusion: It’s About the Heart, Not the Word
Jesus condemns pride and hypocrisy, not words like “father” or “teacher.” If the rule were absolute, we couldn’t even call our dads “father” – which would contradict the Ten Commandments!
Catholics call priests “father” to acknowledge their role as spiritual guides, just like St. Paul did. It’s not about pride – it’s about love and service. As Jesus said: “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).
Final thought: If using “father” was wrong, why did Jesus praise the faith of people who called Abraham “our father” (Luke 3:8) or St. Paul call himself a “father” to his flock? The answer is simple: Context matters. God cares about our hearts, not just words.
Vox Divini 