Fathers declare to their sons, O Lord, thy faithfulness. (Isa 38:19)
It is a fact that many Blue Knights groups are run by Moms; and I thank them for that. But one of the best selling points of the program when it first came out was that it was I called a “clandestine catechesis” aimed at the Dads. This helps fathers take on their role to lead their boys to men.
Like many Dads, I had grown lukewarm in my faith (see Rev 3:16 about that). Oh sure, I went to Mass every week and confession every few months…but I’m a busy guy, I argued. As an active duty Marine, there are important things to do. I left the religion thing to my wife who was the primary homeschooler. I lent a hand as needed, and if asked – I did not seek to take my place.
The Father’s Role through Blue Knights Boys’ Club
Things changed as I started study theology (and writing the Blue Knights). I began to see that in Jesus’ day, the fathers were responsible for teaching their sons about God. For a Jewish man it was about handing on the identity as a people – the Chosen People – and it was transmitted from father to son.
I also realized that young boys spent most of their day with women as role models. At home or in school, they were surrounded by feminine virtue. The little time they had with masculine role models was with dad, after work or (perhaps) on weekends If that time was spent watching the news, surfing the net or hiding in the “man cave”; what did the sons get? A snake instead of a fish? (Lk 11:11)
The Father’s Mission to Lead Boys to Men
So the Blue Knights has a section of leader’s talks and some (short) background to help the dad prepare to give that leader’s talk. This was the “clandestine catechesis”. It was small, but a step. I trusted that the Holy Spirit would use the overall experience of leading the group to do the heavy lifting of conversion.
We all need conversion. Even the Apostles underwent a series of conversions…moving ever more deeply into their mission and their relationship with Christ. It is my hope that the Blue Knights moves toward that end in some way.
