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This Feast of the Holy Family
reminds us of the tremendous importance of family in our lives.
Christmas was about the Incarnation, the mystery of the Word made flesh
who made his dwelling among us. Today we are reminded that God placed
his own innocent and helpless Son into the care of Mary and Joseph.
The physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being of Jesus were
entrusted to the humble family of the carpenter from Nazareth.
What a responsibility God gave them! They were to protect the child from
powerful enemies, provide a home where He would come to love God,
himself and others, and to teach him the ways of his people. It was not
easy for Mary and Joseph just as it is not easy for families today.
Families should begin with love, the committed love of a husband and a
wife. Momentary passion or the infatuation of romantic love does not
endure because it lacks the strength of character to make the necessary
commitment. What if I am not happy? What if things change? Love is
not a feeling; it is a decision. Feelings come and go. Real love stays
the course. The universe is the expression of God's creative love.
While under no obligation, God created the world and sustains it out of
love. Similarly, married persons must make the daily decision to commit
themselves to the well being of their beloved.
The community of love, which we call the Holy Trinity, creates, redeems
and sanctifies the world. In marriage and in family life, we may
participate in these divine actions. In the gift of self to the
other in marriage, lover and beloved become one. Something new is
created; they are no longer two, but one flesh. This union of husband
and wife is the means of cooperation with God to bring new life into the
world.
Real families are not divine
communities. Not withstanding our best efforts, we often hurt one
another. Husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, parents and children
have ample opportunities to seek and offer forgiveness. When we do so,
we cooperate with God's redeeming love. God made us to know him,
love him, and serve him in this world and be happy with him forever in
the next. But we are not in this alone. Sadly, we don't think enough
about our responsibility to bring one another to salvation. What joy
will there be for us in heaven if those we were closest to here on earth
are not there with us? Parents need to attend to their children's
religious development as much as they concern themselves about their
physical health and intellectual education.
Today's gospel selection closes with these words, "He went down with
them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them . . . and Jesus
advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man." Mary and
Joseph had no special training to raise the Christ child. They loved God
and they loved one another. Into the power of that love God entrusted
his only Son.
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