Reflection for December 29, 2024

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (C)

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 | Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 | Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 | Luke 2:22-40

The best of all Christmas presents is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. It is fitting, therefore, that we honor the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph during the Christmas season. This celebration invites us to reflect on the significance of our relationships with our parents, siblings, spouse, children, and extended family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

Carlos was once the picture of a broken man. Years of drug addiction had turned him into a ghost of the father he should have been, leaving his son, Miguel, to grow up feeling abandoned. Carlos's neglect cut deep—missed birthdays, empty promises, and a home filled with silence instead of love. Miguel, now a young man, carried the scars of his father’s absence but vowed never to follow in his footsteps. Carlos hit rock bottom one fateful night, and it was only then he realized the life he’d thrown away. Determined to change, he entered rehab, faced his demons, and worked tirelessly to piece himself back together. Years later, Carlos sat nervously on a park bench, waiting for Miguel. The young man arrived, carrying both anger and hope in his heart. As Carlos tearfully apologized, Miguel felt the weight of his pain but also something else—compassion. “I can’t forget the past,” Miguel said softly, “but I can forgive you. Let’s move forward.” That day, the two began rebuilding a relationship they thought was lost forever, proving that love and forgiveness can heal even the deepest wounds. 

The commandment "Honor your father and your mother" encompasses three essential duties: to obey their guidance, treat them with love and respect, and care for them in times of illness or old age. While this Divine directive may seem straightforward, it is accompanied by numerous promises. As highlighted in the First Reading from Sirach, obedience to parents invites God's enduring blessings upon their children. Sirach teaches that honoring one's parents atones for sins, safeguards against sin, brings prosperity, ensures blessings through one's own children, and grants long life. For some, maintaining a strong relationship with their parents comes naturally, while for others, it presents significant challenges. It is undeniable that certain dynamics often persist—a mother may continue to share unsolicited opinions about our appearance, attire, or personal choices, while a father might primarily engage in conversations about practical matters like cars or careers. Parents are human, with flaws and shortcomings, and there are moments when they may disappoint us. At times, we may even feel inadequate in their eyes. Nevertheless, we are called to honor our parents, not because they are infallible, but because they possess greater experience, including in their mistakes. The key lies in cherishing the best aspects of our parents and learning to accept the rest. This is no easy task, but God recognizes and values our efforts. The way we relate to our parents as children serves as a foundation for how we will relate to God as adults. By learning to honor, obey, and submit to our parents, we prepare ourselves to honor, obey, and submit to God.

One night, Officer Mauro was patrolling the city when he spotted an eight-year-old boy wandering the streets. Concerned, he approached him and asked, "Hey, kid, what are you doing out here so late? Want me to take you home? What's your name?" The boy hesitated, then mumbled, "Freaking Idiot." Mauro blinked, unsure if he heard right. "Uh, okay. What's your dad’s name?" The boy replied, “Satan.” Mauro raised an eyebrow. “And your mom?” Without missing a beat, the boy said, “Witch.” Mauro threw up his hands. “Alright, kid, where do you live? Let’s get you home before I lose my mind.” The boy simply said, “Hell.” Confused but determined, Mauro walked the boy to a nearby village. Suddenly, a woman stormed out of a house, yelling, “HEY, YOU FREAKING IDIOT! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?” From inside, a gruff voice shouted, “CAN YOU SHUT UP, YOU WITCH? I’M TRYING TO SLEEP!” The woman snapped back, “SATAN, WHY DON’T YOU GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUTT AND FEED US?” To which the man bellowed, “I’M DONE WITH THIS HELL!” Mauro stood there, speechless, realizing the boy hadn’t been lying at all.

In his letter to the Colossians, Saint Paul paints an inspiring and heartwarming picture of how members of God's family should live. They are called to be people of peace and gratitude, treating one another with the same love that God has shown them. Within the family, each member has a role rooted in mutual care and respect. Wives are asked to acknowledge their husbands' role as heads of the household, while husbands are charged with the Christian responsibility to love their wives and to never misuse their authority. Children, in turn, are called to obey their parents as an act of Christian duty. Together, a holy family embodies a responsible father, a patient mother, and an obedient child—"Ang mga kalahok ng la sagrada familia: responsableng tatay, matiising nanay, at masunuring anak." These domestic instructions reflect Saint Paul’s understanding that authority in a Christian household exists solely to foster love, care, and well-being for each family member. It is only when authority is used in this spirit of Christ-like love that it merits obedience. Through such harmony, the family becomes a living reflection of God’s love.

Once upon a time, there were two sisters, Althea and Maridel, who shared a field and a mill. Every evening, they divided the grain they had worked hard to grind during the day. Althea lived alone, while Maridel had a husband and a big family. One night, Althea thought, "This isn’t fair. I only have myself to take care of, but Maridel has kids to feed." So, every night, she quietly carried some of her grain to Maridel’s granary, making sure her sister never ran out. Meanwhile, Maridel had her own thoughts: "This isn’t fair. I have kids to take care of me when I’m older, but Althea has no one. What will she do when she’s old?" So, each night, she secretly brought some of her grain to Althea’s granary. Morning after morning, both sisters were baffled to find their grain supply magically replenished. Until one night, they bumped into each other halfway between their homes, sacks of grain in hand. Realizing what had been happening, they laughed, hugged, and felt their love for each other deepen even more.

God created the Holy Family to exemplify the values of prayer, learning, and work, offering a model for all families to follow. In prayer, Mary and Joseph demonstrated deep religious devotion, faithfully observing the Law of Moses and instilling these practices in Jesus. From his parents, Jesus likely learned to pray the Jewish morning offering, fast, celebrate holy days, and pray both privately and with others. In learning, parents are the primary educators of their children, as shown by Mary and Joseph, who raised Jesus in a home filled with faith, love, and forgiveness. Under their guidance, Jesus grew in wisdom and grace, surrounded by the love of God and family. In work, the Holy Family teaches us the dignity of honest labor. Joseph, a skilled carpenter, trained Jesus in the value of hard work, providing for the family and serving others. Their humble and industrious life inspires us to embrace our roles with faith and perseverance. As we reflect on their example, let us ask God to bless our families and help us live united in prayer, learning, and work, always relying on His grace to guide us.

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