Lahore, 16 June 2024:
In celebration of this special day, Most Rev. Bishop Azad Marshall, Moderator of the Church of Pakistan, shares a touching story that beautifully captures the essence of our duty towards our parents and elders.
A son took his father, who was quite old and weak, to a restaurant to enjoy a delicious dinner. During the meal, food occasionally fell on his father’s shirt and pants. Despite the disapproving looks from other guests, the son remained calm and attentive.
After they finished eating, the son quietly helped his father to the restroom. He cleaned the food scraps from his father’s face, attempted to wash the stains from his clothes, graciously combed his gray hair, and put on his glasses. As they left the restroom, a deep silence fell over the restaurant. While the son was ready to pay the bill, an elderly man approached him and asked, “Don’t you think you left something here?” The son replied, “No, I did not leave anything.” The stranger then said, “You left a lesson here for every son and a hope for every father.”
The whole restaurant was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
This story underscores one of the greatest honors we have: the privilege of caring for those who have cared for us. Our parents and all elders who have sacrificed their lives, time, money, and effort for us, deserve our utmost respect. On this Father’s Day, let us remember and cherish the invaluable lesson of love, respect, and dignity in caring for our parents.
Happy Father’s Day!
Blessings,
Most Rev. Bishop Azad Marshall
Bishop of Raiwind and Moderator of the Church of Pakistan