December 26, 2010
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph
I asked a counselor once what she found in persons coming for therapy. She responded: profound loss. She explained the losses e.g. what we leave behind and remember keenly: home, country, family, friendship, marriage, job. She found in many a sense of not belonging. Today is the feast of the Holy Family. We are reminded of the critical role the family plays instilling a sense of belonging -- even in God's Son. For Matthew, the evangelist, the essence of the Jewish faith (call, covenant, slavery, exodus, promise land, exile and restoration) are embodied and lived in the holy family. After the Magi leave, an angel warns Joseph in a dream of the threat of King Herod. They journey to Egypt. Later, an angel comes in a dream to Joseph bidding him to return with his family to Nazareth. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus comes to bring both Jew and gentile out of exile and alienation from God into God's family. There are qualities needed in families, yesterday and today. Our 1st reading (Sirach) encourages children to respect and honor their parents (and parents their children.) St. Paul advises the Colossians to put on: compassion, kindness, gentleness, forbearance, patience and forgiveness -- all essential virtues in family living where rubbing shoulders and eccentricities tend to disrupt harmony. 2 years ago I visited Barcelona, Spain and became a pilgrim to "Sagrada Familia" -- the Church of the Holy Family. It is a magnificent edifice, recently dedicated by Pope Benedict and still under construction after 100 years. The church is designed and inspired by Antonio Gaudi. It speaks to our generation of the importance of family life. In a devotional booklet (Living the Days of Advent and the Christmas Season 2010) Owen Cummings quotes Mary Pipher (a therapist): "We can't hate our families without hating ourselves...Life makes most of us unhappy...While families are imperfect institutions, they are also our greatest source of meaning, connection and joy."
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