Feast of the Holy Family

While it is difficult to look at Jesus, Mary and Joseph, as a 'normal' family, they can be for us a model of a family and family life.  In our introductions to both Mary and Joseph, the announcement that they were to have a special role in salvation filled them with awe, but also troubled them as well.  Mary and Joseph reached into the depths of their hearts to find peace and strength.

Mary we are told ponders the mysteries that surround her with a peaceful heart.  Joseph we come to understand is a righteous man who goes beyond the law in receiving Mary into his home.  We immediately have an understanding that Mary and Joseph have a deep and abiding relationship with God.  Their faithful response to God is based on truth and understanding.

Sirrah is a wonderful reading today, but St. Paul needs to be look upon very closely today.  Paul offers some practical advice as to how to respond within our human families and all of our relationships.  There are some practical values and virtues which challenge us to understand that we are on holy ground in our encounter with each other.

John Paul II and Benedict XVI have offered some excellent encouragement and advise for us who live in the human family.  Both make mention of the importance of finding Christ in our midst within our household.  More so that, like St. Paul, we have to find it within our power to love with compassion and care, as well as to offer reconciliation.  There are no lack of examples of families which are strained and hurting from past injuries and behaviour.  To be sure reconciliation does not mean forgetting, but it is about healing and setting things aright.

When I was in high school some eons ago, Bishop Doran (then Father Doran) was my marriage and family life teacher.  He had us read C.S. Lewis' "The Four Loves."  Lewis proposes that Affection, Friendship, Romance, and Unconditional Love, are not only founded with Christianity, but are essential within our human relations.  Today we consider our human relationships within the context of a Big Mac and fries.  The image of the Holy Family teaches us that there is a depth which exists that holds sacredness and a mystery.

The challenge today is the ability to treat one another with reverence and respect.  We are more than the sum of our body parts.  Jesus Christ comes into our lives, our human family lives, so that we can experience the healing and peace of God.  With St. Paul we have the ability to offer a blessing rather than a curse.  All this to build up the household of the Lord.