Holy Family Nazareth (Year C)

I Sam 1: 20-22.24-28; Ps 84: 2-3, 5-6, 9-11.

1 Jn 3: 1-2, 21-24. Lk 2: 41-52

Theme:  Are You a son of the Holy Family?

 

Once, there was a holy family in a village far from the parish. The parish had the Christmas play for the parishioners. So the family decided to attend it with the request of the child. The paly was at 12 p.m. as they were walking towards it, there met with 3 circumstances which required to do the charity; blind, sick and baby. Remember as they were helping them. They were getting late to the play of nativity. Once they reached there, play was finished. Baby started to cry because he could not see how the baby Jesus was born. PARENTS TOLD HIM: “EVERYTIME YOU DID THE CHARITY TO THE PEOPLE, THE BABY JESUS WAS BORN.  JESUS WAS BORN IN YOUR HEART THROUGH YOUR ACTION.”

My dear brother and sisters, we celebrate the feast of holy family Nazareth today and the purpose of this feast is to present the holy family as the model of Christian families.

The first reading reminds us that the life is the gift from God and each life has its own purpose. Hannah says that “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to Him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As Long as he lives, he is lent to the lord. And he worship the Lord there.”

Today’s gospel clarify us that to know the purpose of the life and will of God is difficult and it is discernment: “When his parents saw him, they were astonished. And mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” Jesus replied “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house? And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.  

The psalm 82 makes clears of the purpose of the life and the purpose of life is to yearn for the Living God: “My heart and my flesh cry out to the living God.”  The Second Reading reminds us that we will be able fulfil our purpose by the means of the love the father has given to each of us. This love enables us to be called children of God. To love is to Christ. Love God and Neighbour is the commandment from God.

 

THE HOLY FAMILY WITH ITS FULFILLMENT OF LOVE AND PURPOSE BECOMES THE MODEL OF CHRISTIAN FAMILIES

1.   FAMILY MUST ENABLE TO HUMAN KNOWLEDGE AND SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE TO GROW AS A CHILD OF GOD

Joseph and Mary took good care of their Child so that He might grow up not only in human knowledge but also as a Child of God. They brought Jesus to temple in pilgrimage. Human knowledge helps the love to last as pope Francis says: “Please, Thanks and Sorry.”

2.    GOOD EXAMPLE OF PARENTS OR RESPECT TO THE ELDERS

The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives the following advice to the parents: “Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well-suited for education in the virtues. This requires an apprenticeship in self-denial, sound judgment, and self-mastery – the preconditions of all true freedom. Parents should teach their children to subordinate the ‘material and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones.'” The CCC adds: “Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children.” (CCC #2223).

Grandfather’s wooden bowl:  (American version of Homily starter anecdote no 1):   A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about father,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.” So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

3.    OUR FAMILY SHOULD BE A PLACE OF PRAYER

Family which prays together, stays together. Prayer is the foundation for the successful family. Prayer enables the family to overcome any kinds of turbulence and difficulties.

4.    FAMILY SHOULD BE A BEACON OF CHARITY

Homily is domestic church. Before we pass our charity to outsiders, it is necessary to practice it within the house. A priest who spoke of the charity in the house very well. All clapped but one of his conferrers shouted in the crowd. Just stay with him for three days you know.

5.    FAMILY IS CALLED TO HOLLINESS

It is not courtroom but confessional means contrite, feel sorry, forgiveness from God and charity towards the neighbours. When the family is holy, whole church is holy and the whole society will be transformed by this holiness. Family is a sacred to call to practice virtues and safeguard the life. It is ultimately a means to get united with the Lord.