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CCC, 2779

Indeed, God is not encapsulated by our thoughts about Him. Many of us do have false images of God and fatherhood because of our experiences. Yet right in the middle of the third chapter of St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he reminds us that there is an analogy there, and it is by design.

Our tendency is to get the analogy backwards, and then to chase an idol, and possibly to despair of calling God our Father. It's wise counsel here to enter into the mystery of it in prayer.

I have been led to pray, "Father, I have no idea what it means to call you Father. On my own, I would run from you. Your laws feel like stern shackles to me at times. I believe I am mistaken; help my unbelief! Let me stay here with you, and speak to me of your promises. Amen."
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