The Forty Seventh Sermon, the Fifth on the Sixth Chapter - Ephesians 6:18-19

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel." - Ephesians 6:18-19

Many, believing themselves to have made significant strides in their faith, yet remain oblivious to the profound essence of prayer. They erroneously assume that merely uttering, "God aided me" when confronted with peril suffices, failing to seek refuge in Him earnestly. However, such souls fail to grasp the profound intent behind the promises bestowed upon us. These assurances do not solely pertain to God's provision and assistance in times of need but also encompass the vital purpose of drawing us closer to Him and kindling the flames of supplication within us. These two facets are inseparable. We ought to anchor our hopes firmly upon God's promises, nurturing them deep within our hearts, and allowing them to ignite the fervor of turning to our Divine Creator. Thus, our faith should invariably propel us toward prayer and entreaty, for these are inexorably intertwined. The greater our faith, the more passionately we should beseech our God, recognizing that our salvation lies solely in His benevolent hands, and that all blessings flow from Him.

As we often tend to be sluggish in this aspect, divine guidance steers us towards the employment of words, prayer, and supplication. The intent is clear: we are not to approach this matter casually or with mere politeness. Instead, we must be stirred to persevere in it, as the divine instruction is unequivocal in its call for unceasing devotion. While it is true that the Prophet Isaiah conveys that God hears us before we even cry out, and His helping hand is swift before our words form, this is not an invitation to indolence. We are not to stand idly with open mouths, expecting divine intervention. Instead, it serves as a reminder that God will not delay when we earnestly call upon Him, as we have experienced.

Nevertheless, God desires us to exhibit a tangible proof of our faith through prayer. The genuine demonstration of His promises taking root within us and our unwavering trust in them is when, in times of sorrow or tribulation, we turn directly to Him and pour out our hearts. As stated elsewhere, we must recognize that we need to employ God's Word to fortify our assurance that He shall never forsake us. By seeking those things in Him that He has promised, we effectively employ prayers as keys to access the treasures He has set aside for us, and He will not withhold them.

Thus, we must pave the way to these blessings through prayer. Moreover, it is insufficient to assert that faith must be accompanied by prayers and supplications offered to our God in all instances. Indeed, in all prayer and petition, our reliance on Him must be apparent. It is as if we are urged to declare that in every circumstance, in all matters, both significant and trivial, and in all our undertakings, this must be our steadfast anchor. Some may be tempted to call upon God solely when they remember Him or when facing significant matters. However, the Apostle Paul, as previously stated, insists that we render homage to God at all times and in all places. We must acknowledge that we can receive no good thing except as a gracious gift from His hand. The word "all" holds profound significance. In truth, we observe how our Lord takes charge of every aspect of our existence, with the condition that we turn to Him even for the most fundamental necessities, which we would not hesitate to request from our friends or peers. Even these necessities He desires us to seek from Him, for when He provides us with our daily sustenance, it is certain that He encompasses all aspects of our life. Indeed, we require many trifling things that we might be ashamed to admit even to our inferiors. Yet, in His boundless mercy, God deigns to care for us, despite our frailty and wretchedness. Nevertheless, He still expects us to petition Him for those things that are beneficial and essential for our well-being. Therefore, let us heed the words of St. Paul, granting us the privilege to approach our God in prayer for all our needs, assured that He will bestow upon us every blessing, with nothing escaping His watchful gaze.

He explicitly emphasizes that we must engage in prayer ceaselessly and with sincerity of heart. The phrase "in spirit" signifies the exclusion of all hypocrisy, for many in the world engage in empty verbosity when they approach the presence of God. Their lips move in mechanical duty, devoid of genuine devotion. This is not the manner in which God desires to be invoked and petitioned. He takes no pleasure in mere verbiage or hollow supplications. When we pray insincerely, we construct a false image of God, perpetrating a form of self-deception. Believing that God hears us solely due to our loquacity, while our hearts remain lifeless and our prayers lack authentic ardor, we reduce God to the status of an idol or a figment of our own imagination. Therefore, our prayers must not only flow from our lips but must also emanate from the depths of our innermost being. As we lack the inherent capacity to achieve this, it is incumbent upon the Holy Spirit to work within us. Hence, the term "spirit" implies beseeching God to govern us in such a way that He stirs our innermost souls, enabling us to pray in a manner that befits His divine presence. In this, He accepts our supplications, discerning within them the indelible imprint of His Holy Spirit.

We must ever bear in mind what is articulated in the Epistle to the Romans – that we do not possess an innate comprehension of what to pray for. Within the scope of our own limited understanding, this surpasses the capabilities of our faith. Notwithstanding the claims of some who believe they possess perfect knowledge of how and what to communicate to God, St. Paul dispels such notions. He shuts the door on self-righteousness, except we humbly acknowledge our frailties and deficiencies, as he avers that the Spirit of God intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings that words cannot convey. Without this divine intercession, we would not even be able to utter the word "Father," as attested elsewhere.

It is undeniable that we shall never be truly inclined to entreat God unless He bestows upon us the gift of His Holy Spirit. Moreover, as previously elucidated, St. Paul's underlying intention is to obliterate all semblance of pretense. We must not seek to validate our standing through ceremonial observances or external displays of piety, such as protracted prayers and ostentatious rituals. Rather, we should yield to the guidance of the Spirit. Therefore, let us first be deeply moved, allowing the Spirit to be our master and instructor, directing our petitions when we approach our God. Secondly, our prayers must spring forth from the depths of our hearts. Let us ponder the psalmic injunction that asserts we must seek our God in truth, for His nearness is reserved for those who exhibit this quality. This exposition is expounded for a reason, as previously emphasized, for we are naturally inclined towards superficiality, erroneously expecting God to accommodate our flawed human nature. However, reality dictates otherwise.

For those who misuse His name, offering prayers veiled in hypocrisy and falsehood, bereft of substance or sincerity, St. Paul unequivocally asserts that we ought not to anticipate being heard or receiving anything from the Almighty unless our petitions are suffused with genuine intent - that is, unless we approach God with heartfelt devotion. This is a crucial point to grasp concerning St. Paul's admonitions. When he employs the phrases "steadfastly" and "holding out throughout to the end," he underscores the perennial nature of our need to call upon God. This emphasis arises because we are inclined to seek exemptions, revealing the imperfections and irrationality inherent in our human minds. Our well-being hinges upon our proximity to God, our reliance on His assistance, and our unwavering belief in His care for us. Nevertheless, how often do we find ourselves hesitating to pray, approaching the act as an obligation rather than an outpouring of love, as I elucidated earlier?

Hence, the notion of indifference and detachment, where we only resort to prayer when coerced or compelled, requires correction. St. Paul admonishes us not to wait for necessity to be the impetus; instead, we should comprehend that every moment is opportune and fitting for turning to God. Indeed, the more fervent our yearning, the swifter our approach, recognizing that afflictions and trials ordained by God often act as a spur, much like a recalcitrant donkey requires a firm prod to move forward. God, discerning our reluctance to approach Him willingly, at times draws us near to Him almost as if by coercion. Nevertheless, each individual should muster their own resolve, even in the absence of pressing necessity. In sum, we ought to pray to our God in times of both prosperity and adversity. This is the essence encapsulated by the phrase "at all times."

And thus, St. Paul imparts the directive that we must maintain vigilance in our prayers, exercising unwavering diligence and interceding for all the saints. When he speaks of being watchful, he addresses a failing to which we are all too susceptible – the tendency to grow lethargic when it comes to communing with God through prayer. Frequently, we require a deliberate awakening from our slumber and torpor, and we are enjoined to remain alert, maintaining unceasing vigilance. This is to ensure that we do not allow the opportunity to turn to God in prayer to pass us by. Indeed, there is scarcely a soul free from the distraction of the mind during prayer. Numerous thoughts flit through our consciousness, leading our minds astray. We may ponder why, instead of concentrating wholeheartedly, our thoughts meander elsewhere.

Given our inherent inconstancy and proneness to distraction, it is imperative that we exercise vigilance. We must redirect ourselves when our thoughts wander, without yielding to the devil's machinations aimed at disrupting our prayers and undermining the continuity and steadfastness they demand. When we engage in prayer, we must do so with complete concentration and unwavering commitment, as if we were securely bound to it, held fast by unbreakable bonds. In essence, all our attention and contemplation should be singularly directed towards the task at hand. Even among pagans, in their rituals of idol worship, they grasped the significance of this principle. They would admonish themselves, saying, "Be wholly engrossed in the act of worship and let no other thought intrude." If such dedication was expected of them in their veneration of false deities, how much more resolute should we be when presenting the supreme offering that God cherishes above all else? It is during these moments that we acknowledge our absolute dependence on Him for every good thing.

Shall we, then, dilute the sanctity of prayer by intermingling it with our own vanities, offering petitions for the sake of mere tradition and fashion? Thus, the vigilance spoken of by our revered author is profoundly indispensable due to the frailty of our minds. Our thoughts tend to stray, especially when we endeavor to commune with God. Let us direct the entirety of our minds toward this sacred act, guarding against the entanglement of our thoughts in the web of worldly concerns and earthly affections. Our approach to prayer should be akin to severing all other bonds, which is why we are exhorted to "lift up" ourselves in our prayers and supplications. While it is true that when we present ourselves before God, we must do so with utmost humility, we must also lift up our hearts in a manner that places us in reverent awe before our Creator. This is what the phrase "diligent watchfulness" signifies.

Furthermore, he instructs us to pray "with all insistence," a reminder that if we desire to prepare ourselves adequately for prayer, we must not approach it with lethargy. Indeed, should we follow the course of our natural inclinations, we would remain far from reaching God. Hence, each individual must exert themselves, as if to say, "My dear friends, within you lies a propensity towards spiritual coldness, a tendency that will hinder you from approaching God in prayer unless you actively provoke and compel yourselves. The adversary will continually cast a veil over your eyes, obscuring your recognition of the need to implore God. Idleness in prayer will lead you to appear ungrateful for His blessings and fail to honor Him for His benevolence. To truly acknowledge the gifts bestowed by God, we must recognize that all things come from His hand. Unless we grasp this truth and turn to Him both in our times of need and in expressions of gratitude for what we have already received, we negate His blessings.

Hence, let us learn to couple our watchfulness with insistence, and by "insistence," we mean unwavering persistence. It is insufficient to engage in sporadic prayer; we must cultivate a continuous habit of prayer. This unfolds in two dimensions: firstly, when we have prayed in the morning and evening, and throughout the day, we must persist in this practice as long as we live. Our faith must remain ceaselessly active, and prayer stands as the exercise of our faith. Secondly, in terms of persistence, when we petition God for assistance in a specific matter, we should not cease to reiterate our request, not merely two or three times, but as often as necessary, be it a hundred or a thousand times. Although God has pledged to aid us even before our pleas are uttered, He does not always manifest this openly to us. Hence, we must never falter in waiting for His assistance. Furthermore, it is not a prerequisite that our petitions be granted exactly as we desire, for God knows what is suitable and expedient for us. He governs us according to His sovereign will. Nonetheless, if we approach Him in prayer according to His will, He assures us that our requests shall be fulfilled even before we utter them aloud.

However, there may come moments when it appears that God is distant, seemingly asleep, or has turned His countenance away from us when we call upon Him. In these times, perseverance becomes an indispensable virtue. When we find ourselves in distress and seek solace from God, we must not do so in a single, fleeting entreaty, only to abandon it. Instead, we must return to Him persistently, with unrelenting fervor, akin to the widow in the parable shared by our Lord Jesus. She had to contend with a judge who neither revered God nor cared for the welfare of people. Yet, through her unwavering persistence, she obtained her request. Similarly, we must exhibit persistence in our supplications to God, not because He is slow to assist us, as I mentioned earlier, but to test the unwavering resolve of our faith.

Individuals who approach God in prayer, only to grow impatient, petulant, and restless, demanding instantaneous relief, are not truly engaged in prayer. Rather, they seek to command God to gratify their desires. We ought to cultivate the restraint of our passions and align our desires with the divine will. When we beseech Him for swift intervention, we should simultaneously nurture patience, prepared to await His timing, whether it be today, tomorrow, or as long as it pleases His sovereign wisdom. Thus, we must persist in prayer and supplication. We should pray today for the exigencies of the present moment and continue to pray tomorrow for those that may arise. Our prayers should become a daily practice. Moreover, if God does not promptly grant our petitions, we should not desist from renewing our entreaties until we witness the fulfillment of His promise.

Considering that it can be arduous for us to approach God with sincerity, Saint Paul, in this discourse, presents an argument grounded in our own frailty. We ought to recognize that our responsibility extends beyond individual self-interest to the care of our fellow beings and intercession on their behalf. If we contemplate our own vulnerabilities, the myriad sins that afflict us, and our dire dependence on God's succor, we would find ample cause to dedicate our lives to unceasing prayer and supplication, even if this were our sole endeavor – to confess our sins before God and implore His aid in warding off the encroachments of Satan. However, we must broaden the scope of our prayers beyond our personal concerns to encompass the entirety of the Church of God. God desires us not only to be engrossed in our individual needs but also to remember His chosen ones, with whom He has bound us together. Consequently, we must strive to include them in our prayers to the best of our ability. With this awareness, our hearts should be stirred even more profoundly, and our ardor should blaze brighter as we uphold the care outlined in this exhortation, maintaining the same spirit of devotion.

While our revered author explicitly mentions praying for the saints or the faithful, this should not preclude us from lifting our petitions for all people, including those unfortunate unbelievers and the uninformed. These souls are in dire need of intercession before God, for they tread a perilous path toward their own ruin. Imagine if we were to encounter a helpless creature facing certain doom; our hearts would surely stir with compassion. How much more profound should our compassion and benevolence be when we behold a precious soul in jeopardy, a soul that God, in His divine wisdom, has deemed valuable enough to redeem through the precious blood of His own Son? When we witness a soul imperiled, we should be moved to beseech God's divine intervention and provision of redemption.

Thus, the true essence of St. Paul's message in this passage is not that we should neglect the unfortunate unbelievers but rather that we should extend our prayers to encompass all humanity. We must harbor a special concern for those to whom God has forged a close bond with us. In a parallel vein, when St. Paul speaks of acts of charity, his intent is that they should be extended to all individuals in need, leaving no one excluded. Nonetheless, he underscores the importance of rendering special assistance to those who belong to the household of faith.

This same principle extends to our prayers and supplications for the spiritual brotherhood within the Church. These individuals have been divinely placed in our midst, a reminder that we should remember the Church of God in our prayers. These words serve as a poignant reminder that our prayers should not be steeped in selfishness. None among us should declare, "My Father alone." Instead, we invoke "our Father," emphasizing that we must not become so engrossed in our own concerns that we overlook those who are connected to us and share in the bonds of our spiritual family, as I previously emphasized. Therefore, St. Paul explicitly states that we must offer our prayers for the saints.

If this profound understanding were to take root in our hearts, it would kindle within us an ardent desire to commune with God unceasingly. Let us contemplate the plight of the churches in these trying times. Despite the occasional respite granted to us by our Lord, our fellow brethren endure torment at the hands of tyrants and adversaries of the faith. Some are left weakened or forced into exile, while others have their worldly possessions seized. Many find themselves imprisoned, and, grievously, some face the ultimate sacrifice at the stake. These suffering souls are constantly immersed in distress, confronting new terrors with each passing moment. We bear witness to the relentless onslaught launched by the forces of evil against those who labor to uphold the teachings of the gospel. We observe the stumbling blocks strategically deployed by champions of Satan to disperse the faithful, as well as the concerted efforts to tarnish the gospel's message. Meanwhile, the dedicated servants of God, committed to His divine service, endure manifold trials and tribulations.

Considering the manifold miseries and adversities that afflict the Church, and pondering the distress of each of our brethren, we would be more insensible than brute beasts if our hearts were not stirred to earnest and persistent prayer before God. Even though I may be on my knees in prayer today, there exist countless thousands entangled in grievous perplexity. It would be an act of spiritual isolation, a severance from the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, should I fail to extend compassion toward those members with whom I share profound connection.

With good reason, then, does St. Paul declare, "All the saints here are for us," as he aims to kindle within us the right disposition toward prayer, urging us to persevere in it unwaveringly. Additionally, he humbly beseeches others to intercede in prayer on his behalf. "Pray for me also," he entreats, "that God may grant me boldness in opening my mouth to proclaim the hidden truths of the gospel."

Hence, when St. Paul encourages the Ephesians to engage in such prayer, he not only issues an exhortation but also exhibits his own humility. He openly acknowledges, before God and His heavenly host, that he, too, stands in need of the prayers of others.

Now, let us assess ourselves in comparison to St. Paul. Is there any among us so self-sufficient that they can dispense with the prayers of their fellow believers, especially when the great Apostle Paul himself acknowledged his dependency on this sacred support? Therefore, in our communion with God through prayer, may each of us earnestly desire to partake in all the supplications offered throughout the Church, embracing both the general and specific petitions.

The enduring truth remains that God is always near to those who call upon Him. Even Jonah, while confined within the belly of the great fish, was not abandoned by the divine providence. Hence, when we feel forsaken by others and seemingly teetering on the precipice of despair, God does not cease to watch over us, extending His unfailing assistance. As the Scripture attests, "The eyes of the Lord are continually upon those who revere Him, and His ears are attentively inclined to those who seek His presence."

However, in His wisdom, the Lord seeks to humble us, emphasizing our mutual reliance on one another's assistance and fostering a profound sense of community among us. Moreover, He encourages us to actively manifest our love and charity by extending support through acts of kindness, offering counsel, and providing various forms of assistance. In this way, we come to recognize that none among us should fixate solely on our individual interests and gain.

Yet, as God has united us in this spiritual bond, each of us bears the responsibility to uphold and sustain our fellow believers, engaging fervently in shared prayers and supplications. Commending one another in this manner to the divine care is the loftiest expression of love, and it was with this very understanding that St. Paul earnestly implored the Ephesians for their prayers.

Should anyone raise an objection, contending that such a plea implies a deficiency in faith, as though the promise of obtaining our individual requests were insufficient, the answer is plain and straightforward. When God pledges His compassion to all who earnestly seek Him, He does not intend for us to disregard His command that we should maintain a steadfast regard for one another.

Moreover, we must grasp that obedience to God's Word can never be construed as an act of unbelief. It is when individuals venture beyond the limits established by God's Word that they tend to veer into the perilous territory of unbelief. For instance, some fashion an excessive multitude of mediators and advocates, rendering themselves unwilling to participate personally. Such actions betray a lack of trust in the sacred teachings contained within God's Word.

We are imparted with a universal lesson: "Call upon Me in your times of need, and I shall heed your plea." God encourages us to turn to Him, fixing our gaze solely upon His divine presence, secure in the knowledge that when we approach Him in the name of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, He shall not withhold His favor. Our Lord Jesus Christ stands ever ready, extending Himself as a mediator on our behalf, assuring us that as long as we remain steadfast in this path, there is no cause for apprehension. We need not fear being denied access to His Father, nor shall we be met with anything but a warm reception.

However, there have been those among the clergy who have asserted that we require additional advocates to intercede on our behalf. While this assertion carries a measure of truth, we must bear in mind that God has appointed Jesus Christ alone for this purpose. Regrettably, certain members of the clergy have taken it upon themselves to appoint advocates in the celestial realm according to their own preferences, thereby undermining the exalted position bestowed upon Jesus Christ by God the Father. Their inventions have only served to perpetuate confusion, resulting in a lamentable state of affairs.

As for us, adhering to the teachings elucidated in God's Word ensures that we walk the path of faith without trepidation or suspicion of unbelief. Thus, the query arises: Is it indicative of distrust to seek the intercession of others in prayer, given that each individual possesses the capacity to pray for themselves? The answer is unequivocal: that which God has united, we ought not to presume to sever.

It is imperative that we bear in mind the command to engage in personal prayer and, moreover, to encourage our neighbors to partake in this sacred practice. By doing so, we fortify ourselves against any deviation from the path of faith. Should anyone contend that the inclusion of intercessory prayer amongst fellow believers diminishes the sole advocacy of our Lord Jesus Christ, the response is straightforward: Jesus Christ is undeniably the solitary mediator, and both the great and the humble alike must turn to Him to beseech the fulfillment of our supplications. Our prayers must be sanctified by His divine holiness, lest they be found wanting and rejected by God.

Reflecting upon the prophet Isaiah's divine commission, we recall his heartfelt exclamation: "Alas, my God! I am but a mortal with impure lips, dwelling amongst a people similarly tainted. How, then, can I dare to converse with my God, as though in direct discourse, when I, too, am tainted by impurity and corruption?" Hence, we learn that all our prayers must be sanctified through the intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ, lest they fail to find favor in the sight of God.

It is undeniably true that Christ stands as the solitary advocate and intercessor—an unequivocal principle upheld by the ancient patriarchs, prophets, and apostles of their eras, a tradition we must continue. Nevertheless, this does not exclude us from offering prayers on behalf of one another, for we all share a common head, our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, our prayers find unity, allowing us to bear witness unanimously and in perfect accord that our well-being hinges solely upon God's providential care. With this unwavering trust, we may boldly approach Him.

To safeguard our adherence to the right path and avoid any misrepresentation of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must regard Him as our exclusive advocate, resisting the inclination to follow our own desires, as regrettably seen in certain instances. We have observed how some individuals have not hesitated to employ this text to advocate for prayers to St. Peter, St. Paul, and even saints canonized by the Pope, or rather, the idols whispered into his ear by the devil.

Yet, we should bear in mind that we are enjoined to offer prayers for one another, as God has also instructed us to seek solace and support from our fellow believers. God has promised that in this manner, we shall find it. As James asserts, "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another." This implies that when you are assailed by temptation, grappling with myriad weaknesses and vices within you, you should open your heart to your brethren. Share your burdens with them, saying, "Alas, I am engaged in such a fierce struggle within myself. I have transgressed against my God in this manner." By doing so and revealing your vulnerabilities to one another, you will find inspiration to pray on each other's behalf.

However, is there any parallel between the departed saints and ourselves, or even St. Wilson, Peter, and St. Paul? Can we discern their sins so that we may beseech God on their behalf, or have they endured sufficient years to heed our petitions? Indeed, it is evident that mutual prayer was intended for those still residing in this world, engaged in the ongoing spiritual warfare. Therefore, those who stand in need of our prayers will also lift their voices in prayer for us, and we, in turn, should extend the same grace towards them.

Regarding those who have departed from this world, we must recognize that we lack the authority to appoint them as advocates before God. Just as in a legal case, we cannot designate an advocate for a matter of minor consequence; it is the prerogative of the judge to assign an advocate in such cases. How audacious it would be for us to assume the role of appointing advocates in heaven! Such an act would be steeped in pride and presumption, tantamount to usurping God's divine authority.

Therefore, let us cultivate the practice of praying for one another within the prescribed boundaries, refraining from straying into self-appointed roles. Let us take contentment in caring for all the members of the church, as it is our sacred duty to do so. Through this mutual communion, we bear witness to our membership in the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, let us collectively turn our attention to our Head, knowing that our prayers would be deemed unworthy unless sanctified by the perfect holiness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

With this awareness, let us never venture to approach God except in the name of our Mediator, being assured that it is His role to intercede on our behalf and secure an audience with God for us. In this manner, we may find God inclined to extend His assistance. This serves as the means for us to pray to God with boldness and confidence, as I have previously referenced in the texts from the eighth chapter of Romans and the epistle of St. James. Additionally, as elucidated in the third chapter of this epistle, we must call upon God through the faith we have in Jesus Christ, recognizing that He did not merely come into the world to shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins once, but also continues to stand before God as our perpetual advocate, ceaselessly interceding on our behalf.

We must firmly believe that, despite our lowly and insignificant nature, He intercedes on our behalf, acknowledging us as His children through His mediation, and He will always be compassionate in heeding our prayers and supplications. These prayers are not offered in our own name or by virtue of our own merits, for that would be presumptuous. Rather, we pray because He has commanded us to do so and has shown us the way.

Therefore, let us humbly prostrate ourselves before the majesty of our benevolent God, confessing our transgressions and seeking His forgiveness, even though we are deserving of being entirely cut off from the hope of salvation. Since He has beckoned us to draw near to Him and promised us His mercy if we approach Him with faith and humility, let us pray that He prepares our hearts so that our petitions align with His divine will. May He also display patience toward our weaknesses, recognizing that our prayers may be riddled with imperfections. Thus, let us collectively utter, "Almighty God, Heavenly Father, and so on."