The Feast Of The Holy Family, Year C By Rev. Fr. Lucas Binnah Junior

First Reading: I Samuel 1:20-22.24-28/Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 84: 2-3.5-6.9-10.11(R. 5a) Second Reading: I John 3:1-2.21-24/Gospel Acclamation: cf. Acts16:14b/Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

Theme: The Holy Family: Perfect Example For All Families

A newly-wedded couple opts for divorce because they are fed up with each other. They never anticipate that marriage has its own share of problems. For them, everything must be rosy! However, marriage and family life have both joys and sorrows. Today in our world, the institution of marriage and family life is under serious threats which may include infidelity, irresponsibility, sterility, poverty, delinquency, sickness and addiction. As the microcosm of society where socialisation first begins, any attack on the family is an assault on society and social institutions. Again, as the domestic church, where a child first learns about God and the virtues of religion and morality, any deformation renders not only the immediate family somewhat incapable of living life to the fullest, but the entire ecclesiastical set up. In this sense, family must be construed to include networks of relationships, be it social, cultural, religious, political or economic. Thus, our relatives, friends, colleagues, communities and the world form a family under God. In view of this, our readings today chart a path for harmonious living on earth.

In the first chapter of the First Book of Samuel, the family of Elkanah is engrossed in difficulty as every family faces. However, unlike every other family, their problem is compounded by a double tragedy, namely, polygamy and sterility. Elkanah’s marriage with Hannah is fruitless because she is barren. This creates insecurity on the part of Hannah as she also suffers the daily taunts of her rivals in that polygamous marriage. Be that as it may, it is her barrenness that draws her closer to God in prayer. Thus, there is opportunity in every calamity. Hannah’s faith in the word of God and exercised by fervent prayer is a big example for family life. Again, her spirit of sacrifice, culminating in vowing and dedicating her future son completely for the service of God is worth emulating. So, in the first reading, Hannah tells Eli: “For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to him. Therefore, I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord” (I Sam. 1:27-28). Some people want blessings, breakthroughs and progress but they do not have the spirit of sacrifice and generosity. They want to take, but do not want to give. They always say to others “thank you,” but do not give others the opportunity to say “thank you” to them. Lack of sacrifice and gratitude are the twin-evil of doom.

Another lesson to learn from Hannah is the fact that she is able to introduce her child, Samuel, to God and the things of God. Mary and Joseph would do the same thing to Jesus, when they dedicate him to God and also go to Jerusalem every year to celebrate Jewish religious festivals. These days, some parents refrain from going to church on Sundays, and with that, children follow in like manner. They prefer to rest or go for physical exercises without giving God his due on Sunday Sabbaths. While rest and workouts are good for us, there is the need to inculcate them on our schedules without them replacing fundamental areas of attention or taking the place of God. Furthermore, Hannah learns how to tackle family problems by first consulting God in prayer and in his temple. No wonder the Psalmist sings: “Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.” He goes on to say: “One day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. The threshold of the house of God I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked” (Ps. 84:5a, 11). We need to take caution here. The fact that Hannah goes to the temple does not mean that we should invest all our time doing “pray for me, pray for me” as some are in the habit of doing. They spend every day in church without working hard to tackle some of the problems which they themselves ought to tackle. For Hannah, after praying in the Temple, she does not resort to quarrelling with her rivals. Instead of insulting them for deriding her, she focuses all her energy on becoming better, positive and prayerful. Many married couples go through life focussing their energies on strength[1]sapping, spirit-draining and worry-producing persons and things. If we want peace and progress in the path of life, we ought to learn to focus on our goals not side attractions, on purpose not pseudo[1]stimuli, on our visions not illusions and on our needs not wants.

In addition, we learn in the second reading, that we are the privileged children of God and this makes us family of God. We are told: “Beloved, see what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (I Jn. 3:1). As family of God, “we receive from him whatever we ask [in prayer].” We receive because “we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us” (I Jn. 3:22-23). Therefore, obedience to God’s commandment, belief in the nature and character of Jesus to the point of accepting him for what he really is, and fraternal love, are ingredients which keep families together. If we truly love, we will obey God and support each other (cf. Jn.13:34, 14:15).

In the Gospel, we see that even the Holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph also faces difficulties, and one of such keeps the parents in three continuous days in a different land looking every nook and cranny for their missing child, Jesus. Mary’s question to Jesus reveals the pain in her own heart and that of Joseph: “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously” (Lk. 2:48). The first part of Jesus’ answer to his mother would have attracted a ‘dirty slap’ had it been some other mothers; however, the second part touches the hearts of his parents even though it confuses them too: “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Lk. 2:49). Indeed, Jesus knows he is the Son of God, and perhaps, his reply reminds Mary and Joseph the message of God’s angel to each of them (cf. Lk. 1:32, 35; Mt. 1:20-21). In our world today, many people do not know their parents. Others also do not know the whereabouts of their children. Some have been neglected either by their own delinquent or wayward ‘missing’ or by their parents’ irresponsibility. Mary and Joseph never abandoned Jesus and so, parents must look and care for their children. When God gives us children, we should make every effort to care for them. Not doing so is sinful and unrewarding.

In addition, the Gospel tells us that after his finding in the Temple, Jesus goes home with his parents and is obedient to them. He increases in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and man (cf. Lk. 2:51-52). How is he going to increase in wisdom and God’s favour if he is not obedient to his parents as the Bible tells us: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right; Honour your father and your mother…” (Eph. 6:1, Ex. 20:12)? Again, how is he to grow in stature and in the favour of his parents if he does not understand that obedience to parents makes a child never go hungry and uncared for? Indeed, Jesus is a perfect child to imitate. So, in the simple and humble Nazareth home of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, is a school where both parents and child learn to listen to each other. They are disciplined, and communicate with deep love, respect, affection and gentleness. Even when things are not clear to them, they do not resort to threats, but peaceful silence in order to ponder on the mystery of trials and suffering.

From all the readings today, we see that parents and children have roles to play in order to make family life successful. A father has to do his part, likewise mother and child(ren). Also, certain ingredients such as faith in God, the word of God, prayer, silence, discipline, responsibility, obedience, love, respect, conscientious discharge of duties and change of character for the better are the building blocks of happy marriage and family life. This is the secret to success in family life. Problems are common to every family. The ability to acknowledge the presence and power of God and the willingness to play our roles will bring harmony and peace in our families. Happy Sunday and may it please God to keep all our families in his blessings, care and protection.