FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY, YEAR C

1 Sam. 1:20-22.24-28

Ps 83

1 John 3:1-2.21-24

Luke 2:41-52

 

We celebrate today the Solemnity of the Holy Family: the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. “Holy” family does not mean problem-free family; the holy Family was not spared the lot, pain and difficulties of life. Indeed, there is no perfect and problem-free family. What makes the difference is the place given to God in each family and the way we face difficult situations. This is the lesson we can draw from today’s liturgical readings. 

 

The first reading presents a polygamous family in which one woman, Hannah, was barren. She prayed and God listened to her prayer. She bore a son, named him “Samuel” and offered him to God. According to the second reading, two irreplaceable things contribute to the success of our relationship with God our Father and our relationship within the family: commitment to the Lord and love for one another. As such, we manifest our belonging to God’s family if we love and serve one another. 

 

The gospel presents one of the unpleasant situations that the Holy Family experienced. At the end of the feast of the Passover at Jerusalem, Jesus, then at twelve years, got missing. Mary and Joseph looked for him everywhere and found him in the Temple after three days.  After that they went back to Nazareth. 

 

The home of Nazareth teaches some important virtues that we can cultivate so as to have a peaceful and harmonious family even amidst challenges and difficulties. These are godliness, patience and humility. Going to church together, praying together, eating together, and being patient with one another are priceless gestures that can help the family stay together. It is important to be patient towards one another and support one another as members of the same family. Moreover, as children are invited to respect and obey their parents at the example of Jesus, parents also are invited to be humble, listen to the needs and desires of their children, and support them when they face difficulties. 

May the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph intercede for us so that we may have holy and united families. Amen.