Word to the Wise
Sunday, December 31, 2017 - The Holy Family - B (optional; new)
[opt: Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3; opt: Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40,171]SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH [Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Luke 2:22-40) When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. [Luke] For the past couple of days, the story of Jesus being presented at the temple has provided the gospel scripture. The whole story appears again today as part of the celebration of the feast of the Holy Family. Given the rather chilling prophecy of Simeon, the closing words of the story quoted above seem a bit strange. They are a kind of "happily ever after" way of talking. But we still have the story of Jesus being lost and found, which reminds us that biological family could not exert a complete hold on Jesus, something that will appear later on in the gospel story of his ministry. Given the sociological breakdown of much of family life caused by the individualism that pervades our culture, a reminder that natural family does have an important role to play in human development. If it is lacking, people will have a hard time forming lasting relationships. In Jesus' time, the tribe and clan were very important units. Life was very local. Friends of mine now have to travel long distances to visit children and grandchildren. Despite this, we always have our family inside us. If the celebration of this feast can remind us of the importance of secure and holy family life, we will be richly rewarded. AMEN