What we have been reading in parts the last few days, we read in full today. Luke gives us the account of the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph. They followed the prescripts of the law by bringing Jesus to the Temple to have him consecrated to the Lord. We read of the prophecy of Simeon that Jesus is the promised hope of Israel and the light to the Gentiles, and also that he will lead to, “the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted – and you yourself a sword will pierce – so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Lk 2:34-35). The prophetess Anna gives thanks to God and shares how the long awaited redemption of Israel has come in the presence of this child. The scene closes with Joseph, Mary, and Jesus heading back home.
That is a lot for Mary and Joseph to take in. I am sure they pondered Simeon’s prophecy and talked about it on their way home to Nazareth. Though they did not fully comprehend all they were presented with, what the Holy Family, whose feast we celebrate today, model for us is that they are open to the process. They continue what they started, they are faithful to God’s leading, and they ultimately place their trust in God.
We are invited to do the same. The family is called to be the domestic Church. It is the place where we learn our faith, where we learn about God, learn to pray, to worship, to serve, and to trust in God. This is especially true in a fallen world. The Gospel is not a fairy tale. In the midst of the joy of new birth, and a birth that will bring about the redemption of Israel, there is the gift of myrrh, an oil used to anoint the bodies of the dead, and there are Simeon’s haunting words above. In the midst of the words of wonder about this child being the prince of peace is the reality that he will die a brutal death.
This is also true with family life which is not perfect. There are the joys of new birth, as well as the promise of new life unfulfilled. There are celebrations as well as growing pains. There are temptations that wound, and temptations resisted that strengthen, there are conflicts as well as reconciliation, and there are times of many struggles, trials, and even death, but there is joy in sacrificing for another, being willing to love one another, and being present for one another through it all.
What is present as a constant in the journey of family is having trust in one another as well as an anchor and trust placed in God. Because of the wonderful gift of diversity, that anchor may not be present in each member of the family, and some who espouse an unwillingness to proclaim a belief in God may actually be closer than the faithful! But no matter how rocky or bumpy the waters, God is present with us to keep us steady.
May the Christmas Season be a time of renewal in our commitment to our family. Even if we may be in the midst of dealing with deep struggles, pain, or loss, we can begin again by coming to the manger. Offer our hand to the baby Jesus and feel his gentle grip grasp our finger. May we feel his gentleness, love, and peace fill our being. May we look deep into his little brown eyes and so see the face of God looking back at us with the assurance that we are not alone, and trust that he is present with us and our families.
Photo: Christmas Morning Jack’s apartment
Link for today’s Mass readings for Sunday, December 31, 2017:
Spiritual Stepping Stones 