Originally posted by MVermi
Then how do you explain Matthew 23:9-12 ""But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
I think the context of Matthew 23 clearly tells us what this is all about. Matthew 23 has to do with the seven woes against the Jews. Verses 2-7 refer to the hypocritical pharisees:
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.
They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, "Rabbi, Rabbi. (Matt 23:2-7)
And the next verse says:
But you, do not be called "Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren (Matt 23:8)
The audience in this passage were the disciples (verse 1 tells us so). Keep in mind that this passage begins with the word 'but'. It's a transitory word like 'however', 'neverthless', etc. In other words Jesus said the pharisees are hypocritical in verses 2-7, and that one word ('but') gives us an indication that Jesus is about to say something completely contradictory to the disciples, as if to say something along the lines of "don't be like them"
And the next passage says:
Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven (Matt 23:9)
Also, if we were to look at that verse apart from context, then technically NO ONE should ever call their father, "father" (I'm referring to biological fathers).
Also, Verse 10-12 also is referring to those who exalt themselves and those who humble themselves. We know that the pharisees exalted themselves, and thought of themselves as the 'greatest' yet they didn't serve others (which contradicts verse 11)
"But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matt 23:11)
With the context in mind, I don't see how it has anything to do with why Catholics say "father" to those who more spiritually grounded in Christ. I hope that helps =)
God bless!
-Jason