The Authority to Protect: A Father’s Call to Lead with Charity
- Marcelo Bastos
- Nov 5
- 2 min read
Fathers of Saint Joseph – Meeting Notes
Date: Saturday, 25th October 2025
Location: St. Mary’s, Pope’s Quay, Cork, T23 P8ER
Context
We have returned to our regular meeting format. As usual, we began with a time of adoration before moving into our reflections.
Reflection Reading
Book: LEAD: The Four Marks of Fatherly Greatness by Devin Schadt
Pillar III: Assume Your Authority – Embrace Charitable Authority
Reading 123: The Duties of a True Leader
The author reminds us of the traits of a true leader: understanding the goal, pursuing a clear purpose, and staying faithful to it. He emphasizes that our mission as fathers is to lead our children toward Heaven and protect them from the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Our role is to protect, provide, and teach, always animated by Christ’s love and mercy. True freedom, the author explains, comes not from following our own pride or disordered desires, but from obedience to God.
Call to Action:
When challenges arise, rather than complaining or seeking attention, silently surrender them to God.
Related Reflection – “The Authority to Protect” (page 448):
One question stood out in my examen:
“Do I protect my children from becoming slaves to activities?”
It was a meaningful reminder that even good things can become distractions if they lead us away from God.
Shared Thoughts from the Group
Accept God’s will for our lives and dedicate ourselves to the work He calls us to do.
Pray often for discernment and for the courage to follow His guidance.
Personal Reflections & Final Thought
Authority is a subject that has always drawn my attention. Today, we live between two extremes: one that rejects all forms of authority, and another where many claim authority without legitimacy. This can be confusing.
Through this reflection, it became clear that true authority comes from God alone. As fathers, we are entrusted with both the authority and the responsibility to guide our children toward Heaven—by protecting, providing, and teaching them with love.
In my prayers, I have been asking God for wisdom and grace to exercise this charitable authority within my family. May He continue to strengthen us in this mission.
Amen.
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