Call Him Father by: Edward G. Maristany

Call Him Father
Edward G. Maristany
Scepter Publishers
ISBN 1889334332

Fr. Maristany has written another great book. My only regret is that this, and Loving the Holy Mass, are the only two books I can find by Fr. Maristany. Drawing heavily upon scriptures, The Catechism and St. Josemaria Escriva, we are shown the importance of the concept of 'divine filiation' or, in simpler terms, we are God's children. That is one of the most important things we can learn and take into our hearts. We must not just know it, we must experience it.

Fr. Maristany examines this subject from a number of different angles and perspectives. They are:

• We are children of God
• God's original plan
• Baptism
• The Good News
• A Unique love
• What the World needs now
• Experiencing the reality
• The role of parents
• The role of the Holy Spirit
• The role of Jesus
• The role of Mary
• Developing the habit of piety
• Prayer
• Trusting God in times of difficulty
• In the mass
• Awareness of the Father's presence
• Becoming like a little child
• Contrition
• Working with a right intention
• Two dangers

He states: "let me say it again: it is not enough to know that we are children of God. Millions of people know it and still live in darkness. Many who could give lectures on the subject have not made divine filiation the foundation of their spiritual lives. And as a result, their spiritual lives are shaky." p.19 It is stressed again and again, that this cannot be just head knowledge, we must come to experience it and live it or it really means nothing.

In the section on the Role of Parents, Maristany declares: "It is the role of a father to introduce each child to the love of our heavenly Father. In the decisions he makes as head of the family, in his way of answering a question, in his unselfish way of action, in the hugs and protection he gives his children, a good father becomes the natural reflection of the wisdom and love, the power and providence, the mercy and forgiveness of God." p.21 We have no greater role than to be the example of God's love to our children, and our friends and family. We can only do that if we know and experience that love firsthand ourselves.

In quoting St. Josemaria Escriva, we are told: "Presence of God, awareness of our divine filiation; everything else is a way of achieving this." p. 59 Then we are encouraged to put this into practice in our own lives and then to teach it to others. We could have no greater responsibility.

If you want to grow as a child of God, this book will help you understand and grow in that relationship.

Books by Father Edward G. Maristany:
Call Him Father: How to Experience the Fatherhood of God
Call Him Father: How to Experience the Fatherhood of God Revised Edition
Loving the Holy Mass

Spanish Editions:
Amar la Santa Misa
Llámale Padre