On Christmas day we celebrated the birth of Christ which helps us to see the infinite goodness of God and his closeness to us. This Sunday while still within the Octave of Christmas, the Church celebrates another important feast, that of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They are the model family of faith who were committed to a life of simplicity, love and prayer. In them we can see the ordinary life of Jesus and can come to a deeper understanding of his mission, helping us as we try to walk in his ways today. We also see the simple acceptance of Mary and Joseph of the blessings bestowed on them by God.
Today’s Gospel, describing the finding of the child Jesus in the temple, is one of the ordinary stories from the life of Christ. Mary and Joseph made the traditional pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover but Jesus stayed behind without the knowledge of his parents. They searched everywhere for him and were astonished to find the twelve year old child three days later with the teachers in the temple. The explanation given by Jesus was that he must be busy with his Father’s work.
What does the Gospel say to us as ordinary followers of Christ today? The dialogue between Jesus and his parents is not unlike that which takes place in our own families, revealing how the Holy Family was just like an ordinary family. The fear of Mary and Joseph in protecting Jesus from the crowds and their worry as they frantically searched for him is similar to the concern any parents would express for a missing child in the world today.
Sometimes there can be conflict in families but there is always room for compromise, forgiveness and love in our relations with one another. Jesus did not understand the worry of Mary and Joseph in the Gospel, yet he remained obedient to them and grew in wisdom and love under their care. All families are united by a bond of love and this bond is especially strong between a parent and child. Whatever our family situation, we can come closer to Jesus in our everyday lives by living out the Gospel values of love and respect for each other, remembering that we are all part of God’s family and are equally cherished and loved by him.
Today let us be thankful for all the things we have. We especially give thanks to God for the gift of our families. Following the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph; may we grow together in a spirit of love and understanding, caring and praying for one another. Amen.
