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Jesus said, "call no man your father upon earth." So why do Catholics call priests Father?
First, read the whole passage. In the same breath he says call no one teacher, and call no one master. Yet almost every Christian has called someone a teacher. Jesus is using a strong image against the pride of the leaders in front of him, not banning a word.
Second, look at how the apostles talked. Saint Paul writes to the Corinthians, "in Christ Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you." He calls himself their father. Saint Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, opens his speech, "Men, brethren and fathers." Saint John writes, "I write unto you, fathers."
If those words broke the rule, the apostles broke it constantly.
What Jesus forbids is giving anyone the place that belongs to God the Father. A priest is called father for the reason Paul gave: he's meant to care for you like one.
Fair to the other side
Some Christians accept that Jesus was not banning the word but still think the title for clergy cuts against the spirit of the passage, which warns against religious honours. It is a fair caution, and the Catholic answer is not that titles are harmless but that this one names a duty of care, as Paul used it, rather than a rank.
Sources
- Matthew 23:8-10
- 1 Corinthians 4:15
- Acts 7:2
- 1 John 2:13
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Free to post on your own channels under CC BY-SA 4.0: keep the credit line and the AI disclosure. Suggested caption:
"Call no man father." Then why did Saint Paul call himself one? Matthew 23 in context.
On-screen text: Matthew 23:9 · Matthew 23:8 and 10: teacher, master · 1 Corinthians 4:15 · Acts 7:2 · 1 John 2:13