A Father is to be honored

1. 1. Confused Catholic said:

      
      I easily go along with calling a priest "father", I wouldn't address a priest without using a title. But how to justify calling a priest "My Lord" (Monsignor)? And what about the titles: excellence, eminence, right reverend, very reverend.. and so on. These titles from courtly times need to go; or just used as a private hierarchy within the clergy.

      
      
      You said they need to go, but why? Are these not consecrated people and, especially in the cases of bishops, direct successors of the Apostles
      
      These are all titles given a "father". A father is "Lord" of his house. A mother, the wife of the father, "Lady" of his house.
      
      Mister is simply a derivative of "master". And it means, "Lord". Likewise, Mistress, is a derivative of "master" as well. Although it now bears a bad connotation associated with adultery, the Mistress of the house is the Lady of the house
   2. This is one of the reasons why Protestants abhor the title in respect to priests. Because they deny that they must obey them. They claim they believe the Scriptures. I don't know what they do with Heb 13:17:
      
      Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
      
      Sincerely,
      
      De Maria
      
      
      
      

What does the Bible say about the Pope?

The word "Pope" is Latin for "Father".  The Bible speaks of God as "Our Father",

Matthew 6:99 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Scripture also says that the Apostles considered themselves the Fathers of their flocks:

1 Corinthians 4:15
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 

1 John 2:1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 

Because Jesus Christ appointed Simon to "feed" His flock.  The Church has always called him the first "Pope" or "Father" of the Church:

John 21:1717 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.