FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK. REFLECTION: The Holy Family. Fr. Benoit Mukamba, C.S.Sp.
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FROM THE PULPITThe family is the basic unit of human society. Its fundamental character is interrelationship among its members. But family finds its origin in God who did so willed that it came to exist when God created man and woman, blessed them and empowered them to procreate and fill the earth. God created the bond of marriage between man and woman holy. God entered the family of Mary and Joseph of Nazareth, perfecting it with the birth of God’s own son, Jesus Christ.
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
SCRIPTURE: Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128; Colossians 3: 12-21; Luke 2: 22-40.
REFLECTION: The Holy Family.
Fr. Benoit Mukamba, C.S.Sp.
The family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus is threefold holy because, firstly God who is holy, came to belong to it; secondly when she was visited by the angel Gabriel, Mary, obediently welcomed God to be the master of her and her household; thirdly Joseph accepted God to reign in his life and future family. Because of its holiness, the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph stands as a model of all human families. The Holy Family distinguishes itself in its openness to God and its unconditional love. Mary and Joseph accepted the will of God despite multiple unknown realities that surrounded the incarnation of Jesus. Joseph and Mary believed each other despite the pre-existing condition to their marriage. With mutual respect and trust, Mary and Joseph welcomed each other as husband and wife. Meditating on the life of the holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph will help us live happily in our families through problems and difficulties.
The underpinning theme of all the readings of today’s liturgy is interrelationship in the family. The first reading centers its message on the fourth commandment of the Decalogue. Sirach discusses the reciprocal obligations and privileges that flow from the strict observance of the fourth commandment, “Honor your father and mother”. Sirach exhorts us to honor parents even in the most challenging times when their minds fail; there is an advantage to honoring parents, God will hear your prayers and will bless you with a long life to enjoy your achievements. The Christian family, being a family of God, should put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another; Saint Paul writes to the Church at Colossae. The Evangelist Luke reminds us that the family provides the best environment for physical, intellectual and spiritual growth. Mary and Joseph offered Jesus a place for growth, linked him to the past of his people and immersed Jesus into the dream and hope of Israel. Without comprehending all about their baby, Mary and Joseph were surprised by the utterances of Simeon and Anna. As an African saying goes, “A seated Oldman sees far more than a standing young man”, Simeon and Anna perceived the hidden blessing in the baby of Mary and Joseph. For Simeon, the baby in his arms was the fulfillment of the greatest dream, the salvation of the world. For Prophetess Anna, the presence of the baby of Mary and Joseph was the awaited redemption of Israel. She gave thanks to God. In this entire episode, the Holy Spirit remains unseen and yet plays a pivotal role, moving Simeon and Anna, opening their eyes to see the awaited Messiah and making them both proclaim the praises of God.
All done and said, Joseph and Mary had to return Nazareth with their child Jesus and help him grow and be ready for his mission in the world. Day in and day out, the Holy Family allowed God to reign in their life. Like the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus developed into a grown up man and became a phenomenon in Galilee and Jerusalem, and finally the entire world has come to know him, love him and serve him. May the Holy Spirit move our spirits so that we may live as members of the Holy Family.
