The Holy Family

Liturgically, we leap ahead from the birth of Jesus, celebrated just two days ago, to his trip to the Temple as a 12 year old, but the focus is really on the Holy Family: how they handled a "crisis" and what they teach us about family. We see the loving concern of Mary and Joseph for each other and their decision to leave the caravan and return to Jerusalem, no doubt each chiding himself or herself for not "checking" on Jesus to see where he was before leaving Jerusalem, as most couples would do. Perhaps they had "cut him too much slack", allowing him to choose to walk either with the men or the women among relatives and friends. Always that dilemma parents face: when to relinquish control, when to continue to be the overseers. However, they discovered him astounding the teachers in the temple, giving them a preview of what he would do during the course of his public life. This "loss" had a purpose. Yet, at this phase, he returns with them to Nazareth where "he was obedient to them." Again we read of Mary's contemplative side, as she "kept all these things in her heart". We can assume that Joseph maintained his leadership role as protector, guide, teacher, bread-winner, and man of faith. In turn, "Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man." (Lk. 2:52).
Thus, the model of family life the Church presents to us today. Simple formula, nothing extraordinary: faith, prayerfulness, sensitivity, attentiveness, respect for roles and gifts, willingness to sacrifice, obedience, and above all, love. The readings from Sirach (3: 2-7, 12-14) and St. Paul (Col. 3:12-17) offer food for further reflection on family, and the opening prayer can easily become our own prayer:
"Teach us the sanctitiy of human love,
show us the value of family life,
and help us to live in peace with all
that we may share your life forever."
May the Holy Family help all families appreciate the GIFT of FAMILY and show the way to make it grow.
Bro. Rene