Why are priests called "Father"?

[eureka525]

Hi,

I recently began reading the New Testament from start to finish, something I have not done before. While reading Matthew, I came to this passage:

8But be not ye called `Rabbi,’ for One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9"And call no man your father upon earth, for One is your Father, who is in Heaven. 10Neither be ye called masters, for One is your Master, even Christ. 11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Just wondering how/why priests came to be called “Father”?

Thank you!

 

[Devon_Caffran]

The following links should assist you in better understanding the biblical basis of calling priests “Father”. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.
Recommended Reading:

• [Why do Catholics call the pope “Holy Father”? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=134475)
• **[Why do Catholics call priests “Father” when Jesus said “call no man father”? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=30999) **
• [Call No Man “Father”? (http://www.catholic.com/library/Call_No_Man_Father.asp)