Feast of the Holy Family - Fr. Leo

Many churches have statues of Jesus and Mary and Jesus and Joseph.  I have some in my home.  They are often found on pedestals and reverenced as the Holy Family; the ideal family.

However, if the Holy Family is going to have any meaning for us we need to relate to them as human, which all three were. So looking at the human side of the Holy Family is helpful and one of the human aspect is revealed in today’s gospel.  Jesus, so busy about his father’s work forgets about his parents and separates from them for three days before they find him.  Jesus didn’t seem to have much sympathy for their anxiousness which hurt them.  That’s not perfect, it may not be sinful, but it was a hurtful thing.

Jesus learns as we all do.  He goes home and is obedient to his parents as he continued to grow in wisdom.  So its okay if our families aren’t perfect.  They are not going to be.  It is living with love and mercy for each other that makes family a priceless treasure!  Families are going to have friction and that friction can be helpful.  Family is like a hot house where we grow faster than in other environments. We learn about ourselves and others through the pain.  And as long as we  commit ourselves to love and mercy we will find family an incredible foundation on which to live our lives.

Each family has its brokenness.  The weaknesses are not to be covered over, but embraced by all so that healthy relations can form, and wounded ones be healed.  It is always sad to hear that some family members don’t speak to other family members for one reason or another.  Sometimes this needs to be, but we pray for the healing we need in ourselves and others to mend fences if we can.  And this is where today’s feast is helpful.  We can pray to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph for the grace to be our healthy self and for any healing our family relationships may need. For love is patient and kind and not overbearing.  

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us now and always that we may be full members in your heavenly family and come to possess the fullness of peace and unity you shower down on us here below. Amen.