As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, let us remember that the family is the most endearing community of all. We are bound together not only by relations of blood. We are bound even more by those memorable moments when we experienced joy, laughter and support. We become more connected too, when we share in life’s trials and tribulations.
It is consoling to find that this was also the experience of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The unspeakable struggles of faith that preceded the birth of Jesus produced intimacy and trust. The birth of Jesus has given hope and continued enlightenment about their mission. Herod’s plot against Jesus, sending them to temporary exile, made them suffer the fate of refugees. All these experiences cemented the spiritual, physical and emotional bond of the Holy Family.
Today we are realistic in admitting that families are imperfect. The ideal picture rarely materializes. Most parents had really no training in becoming parents and so they make mistakes. Children, expected to grow to fruitful maturity, turn out as disappointments and lose track of the direction of their lives. Much of the sadness and gloom in people’s hearts can be traced to wounds inflicted in the home. We cannot put the blame on the family itself, for no person, entering into family life, envisioned bad things for the future of their home. In many ways, families too are victims of society, media and the economic situations around them.
Christmas comes every year to bring hope to families. Jesus desires to be part of all families today. He knows too well the problems that beset families. He knows the joys and laughters, the pains and problems of every family. He comes to bring peace and healing, reconciliation and unity.
At times we are tempted to question whether we can still see hope for our families. The gospel today tells us that it is possible to save families. There is always an opportunity given us to renew relationships and strengthen links with each other. Maybe not all families will find themselves united again as in the beginning. But at least, forgiveness, acceptance and courage can flow to inspire the lives of people to change what can be changed and to prepare for the future with much confidence.
The gospel says that Joseph “dreamed” several times about God’s message for his family. Let us not stop dreaming for our families. Let us continue believing that God desires only the best for us. God can right our many wrongs, if we put our trust in him just as Joseph and Mary did and if we open our families to him. May the Christ Child find a welcome space in our homes this time and always.
It is consoling to find that this was also the experience of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The unspeakable struggles of faith that preceded the birth of Jesus produced intimacy and trust. The birth of Jesus has given hope and continued enlightenment about their mission. Herod’s plot against Jesus, sending them to temporary exile, made them suffer the fate of refugees. All these experiences cemented the spiritual, physical and emotional bond of the Holy Family.
Today we are realistic in admitting that families are imperfect. The ideal picture rarely materializes. Most parents had really no training in becoming parents and so they make mistakes. Children, expected to grow to fruitful maturity, turn out as disappointments and lose track of the direction of their lives. Much of the sadness and gloom in people’s hearts can be traced to wounds inflicted in the home. We cannot put the blame on the family itself, for no person, entering into family life, envisioned bad things for the future of their home. In many ways, families too are victims of society, media and the economic situations around them.
Christmas comes every year to bring hope to families. Jesus desires to be part of all families today. He knows too well the problems that beset families. He knows the joys and laughters, the pains and problems of every family. He comes to bring peace and healing, reconciliation and unity.
At times we are tempted to question whether we can still see hope for our families. The gospel today tells us that it is possible to save families. There is always an opportunity given us to renew relationships and strengthen links with each other. Maybe not all families will find themselves united again as in the beginning. But at least, forgiveness, acceptance and courage can flow to inspire the lives of people to change what can be changed and to prepare for the future with much confidence.
The gospel says that Joseph “dreamed” several times about God’s message for his family. Let us not stop dreaming for our families. Let us continue believing that God desires only the best for us. God can right our many wrongs, if we put our trust in him just as Joseph and Mary did and if we open our families to him. May the Christ Child find a welcome space in our homes this time and always.
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