Feast of the Holy Family
1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28 - 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24 - Luke 2:41-52
"Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
On the last Sunday of the calendar year, the Church invites us to celebrate the feast of the Holy Family. In reflecting on today's scripture readings, we find a rich tapestry of themes that resonate deeply with family life today – especially through the lens of Luke's gospel as he recounts the story of Jesus in the temple.
When we ponder the family life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, we often are influenced by the idyllic images depicted on church calendars and holy cards. We imagine Jesus growing up in the quiet and serene company of Mary and Joseph. Jesus grew up in the hill town of Nazareth, a small town made up of people who were members of the same clan, that is, his extended family. Houses in those towns were very small and close together for protection. Jesus, therefore, grew up in the close quarters of an extended family and, thrown together with aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws, no doubt faced the real-life challenge of getting along with the relatives.
In Luke's gospel, we witness a very significant episode in Jesus' childhood. The gospel tells us that Jesus was twelve years old, the age at which every Jewish boy was expected to make his bar mitzvah, a ceremony of Jewish legal adulthood. It appears that as part of his "coming of age", Jesus decides to linger behind in the temple, without telling his parents, to engage the Sanhedrin in questions on the Mosaic Law. His distressed parents, upon discovering that Jesus was not among their relatives in the caravan, frantically return to the temple in search of their son. When they find him in the temple, the encounter between Jesus and his parents presents an essential component of family life, that is, the tension between parental guidance and the emergence of a child's independence. Mary and Joseph's anxiety upon realizing that Jesus is missing is palpable. Jesus' response, "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49) is a strong statement that often has been interpreted as challenging and maybe a little disrespectful. We can certainly imagine a similar response coming from a current-day teenager! This scripture reading urges us to support children as they grow into their identities, both as individuals and as part of God's family, which involves creating a home life that values faith exploration, encourages open dialogue, and respects the individual spiritual journey of each family member.
Turning to the first reading in today's liturgy from the prophet Samuel, we find the story of Hannah, who fervently prayed for a child and then dedicated her son Samuel to God. Hannah's story emphasizes the fact that children are a gift from God and underscores the importance of recognizing and nurturing the spiritual dimension of a child's life. In contemporary family life, this calls for a commitment to instilling strong values and a sense of purpose in children and encouraging them to seek and fulfill God's plan for them
The second reading, the letter from John, reminds us of our identity as God's children. This passage speaks to the transformative power of divine love, which should be mirrored in our homes. It challenges us to create environments where love, understanding, and open communication are valued, thus fostering spiritual growth and a sense of belonging.
The three scripture readings offer timeless insights into the complexities and joys of family life. As families today navigate these challenges, the key is to foster a nurturing environment filled with love, trust, and faith, providing a place where each member can grow in their relationship with God and one another.
Sr. Mary T. Flood, OP
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