The Father
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Blessed by the Father (1077-1079)
Paul writes that, in Christ, the Father has bestowed on us "every spiritual blessing" so "we should be holy and blameless." He destined us to be his sons by his "grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved" (Eph 1:3-6).
To bless is a life-giving action which comes from the Father. For man, the word "blessing" means adoration and surrender to the Creator. The inspired authors proclaim that God's plan of salvation is one vast divine blessing from the very beginning until the end of time.
Old Testament Blessings (1080-1081)
From the beginning, God blessed all living beings, especially man and woman. In spite of man's sins which had brought a curse to the ground, he renewed this blessing with Noah. With Abraham, God's blessing entered and redirected human history, moving from death back toward life. When Abraham, "the father of all believers" embraced this blessing, salvation history was inaugurated.
The Old Testament records many blessings (the escape from Egypt, the Promised Land, the Law and the Prophets). The Psalms recall these blessings and respond with praise.
Two Dimensions of Liturgy (1082-1083)
In the Church's liturgy, the Father is adored as the source and goal of all these blessings. Through the obedient and Risen Jesus, he fills us with the Holy Spirit who contains all gifts.
The Christian liturgy has two dimensions. First, the Church by her adoration blesses the Father "for his inexpressible gift" (2 Cor 9:15). Secondly, until the end of time, the Church presents to the Father his own gifts, begging him to send the Holy Spirit upon this offering, upon the Church and upon all the faithful.
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