The gospel today, Holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt, is one of the
seven sorrows of Mary. From birth to death on the cross, Jesus experienced human
rejection, violence. Mary and Joseph had to go through the consequences of saying
yes to God, fear, pain in order to be there for Jesus, a life mixed with divine consolation
and adversity. Holy family was unwelcome in their own homeland but a foreign country
Egypt welcomed them! Holy family is the symbol of families displaced, who are
refugees, persecuted and abused all over the world, who are victims of human
violence. Mothers weep for children being killed in Syria and other parts of the world,
just as mothers of Bethlehem wept for their children killed by king Herod. The plight of
Holy family invites the world, its leaders with compassionate and transformed minds to
create safe environment for families in their own homeland.
Love overcomes all fear; with love trials and challenges in family life become
meaningful, transforming, an offering to God! Holy family reminds us that family is a
school of love, where you learn about care, kindness, generosity, sacrifice. College
student Bridget in her theology class shares: ‘I contracted a virus which settled in a
nerve in my face. The pain was excruciating especially during the long nights. One
night when I could hardly bear the pain, I looked up and saw my mother, who kept vigil
by my bedside, looking back at me with such a tender, pain-wracked expression on her
weary face. I knew in that moment that my mom would give anything, not to bear this
pain with me, but to bear it instead of me’! You parents keep vigil by your children’s
side when they are sick, afraid, praying for healing, for their safety just as Mary and
Joseph risked their lives to protect Jesus. Holy Family’s self-less giving of each other is
model for joy and fulfillment in family life!
Paul says ‘put on love’ then all forms of abuse, discord, hate, violence would disappear
from the family! Mary and Joseph teach us patience and commitment to love in family
life by placing Jesus at the center of family. We learn from Mary and Joseph that God’s
will unfolds in trust. Prayer, discernment [insight into what truly matters in relationships]
and a loving yes to God bring stability in family. Parents are visible signs of God’s
presence; relationship between parents and children reflect the primacy of love. Pope
Francis: ‘family should excel in gentleness of love, speaking words of comfort,
strength, consolation and encouragement to each other; do not let family life slide into
dry, lifeless existence’! A hard working Joseph, a nursing mother Mary encourage
young mothers and fathers, all parents to love your family with a sacrificial love.