Readings: Sirach 3:2-6; Colossians 3:12-21; Mt. 2:13-15, 19-23
The Family that Prays Together, Stays Together
On this last Sunday of the year, the Church directs our attention to our families as we reflect on the Holy Family of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. As you consider the Holy Family, keep this question in mind: How healthy is your family?
Last Sunday, we focused on Joseph, who was portrayed as a righteous, honorable, faithful, prayerful, forgiving, accommodating, compassionate, and loving man. The Blessed Virgin Mary, on the other hand, embodies qualities such as dutifulness, loyalty, humility, gentleness, prayerfulness, caring, and compassion. It is no wonder that Jesus, truly God and truly man, absorbed the virtues of both Joseph and Mary. He demonstrated these qualities in his relationships with others, which define the attributes and characteristics of the Holy Family.
What would your family be known for? The first reading from the book of Sirach reminds us that “God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.” Therefore, parents should serve as models for their children. To cultivate virtuous and exemplary families, parents must exemplify these qualities in their interactions with their children and others. When parents care for their children, providing both material and spiritual support, those children are likely to reciprocate and care for their parents in the future. Mutual support is the hallmark of a happy family.
The authors of ‘New Horizon Homilies’ relate the following story. A couple bought a crucifix on their wedding day and placed it in a conspicuous part of the house, asking God to bless the secret of their hearts. Years went by, and the crucifix remained in the same place. The couple, now old, were preparing to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Their large family was a model of virtue and enjoyed the esteem and respect of all who knew them. A friend asked the old mother how she had been able to raise so many fine sons and daughters. With her bony finger, the old lady pointed to the crucifix and said, smiling, that she owed it all to the crucifix. The story captures the essence of today’s reflection on the Holy Family: The family that prays together, stays together. The virtues we discussed would be unattainable without an intentional desire for spiritual togetherness and friendship among family members. This applies to our church family as well—God must be the glue that binds both our families and all families together.
St. Paul reminds us in the second reading to “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another; if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.” Wherever people coexist, be it in a family, society, or the Church, friction, misunderstandings, and grievances are inevitable. Some family members may take undue advantage of others, while some may feel entitled to everything. Additionally, some create anger, animosity, and tension within the family. Some members may feel like victims of perceived injustices and misunderstandings. How do you navigate these family dynamics? St. Paul advises, “And over all these, put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.” If there is love and peace in our homes, we will have the resilience to face any challenges from outside. Our family can thus become a sanctuary for joyful celebration, nurturing valuable life lessons. This is only achievable when a home is filled with love.
Every Christmas, we gather to celebrate, share gifts, and enjoy meals. We think of the Christmas crib, decorations, and festivities—all fitting celebrations. Our salvation began with the Incarnation, when God became man so that man could find his way back to God. However, the stable where Christ was born was not as cozy as we might imagine for a newborn. The Holy Family faced numerous difficulties, dangers, and extreme poverty. The 300-mile journey across the desert was challenging, marked by fear and exhaustion. Their search for a place to live in a foreign land, Joseph’s struggle to find work, and the constant concerns for the welfare and survival of the blessed child entrusted to their care were experiences that Joseph and Mary could never forget. Despite all the hardships they endured, the unity and love in their family remained intact. Every family faces its own challenges, but the strength and endurance of a family depend on the love they have for one another and the convictions that drive their spirit. The role God plays in each family will always determine the strength and resilience of its members.
David Wilkerson rightly noted, “Good parents don’t always
produce good children, but devoted, dedicated, hardworking mothers and fathers
can weigh the balance in favor of decency and building of moral character.
Every word and deed of a parent is a fiber woven into the character of a child,
which ultimately determines how that child fits into the fabric of society.”
As we approach the end of this year, let us ask the Holy Family to guide us
into the New Year. How do we envision our families—both natural and
spiritual—shaping up in the coming year? My prayer is that we contribute
positively and meaningfully, creating families that serve as models for others
and reflect a dwelling place for God.
May we not only be takers but also be givers, so that the state of our union mirrors that of the Holy Family. Amen.
Points to ponder:
- What is my contribution towards
the well-being of my family?
- What role do I play in my
family?
- Am I a taker or a giver? A
peace-loving member or a troublemaker?
- If the Holy Family is not the model for my family, what can I do to make it so?
“Don’t forget to pray today because God didn’t forget to wake you up this morning.”
Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
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