FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

 THEME: DOING ORDINARY THINGS EXTRAORDINARILY WELL

(Sirach 3:3-7,14-17; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15,19-23)

Family is the centre of our affection around which our hearts’ best wishes entwine. It is in the family that the foundation of human relationship is laid, upon which faith and morality is built. Though today we live in a commercialised, competitive and go-it-alone society; the fact still remains that nobody grows alone. Family plays a central role in human formation and growth; also, many personality problems have their roots in family deficiencies.  The first place of Nature and Nurture of human development is the family. In every happy family, both parents and children contribute their share, each playing their respective roles. Every parent, most importantly Christian parents should leave no stone unturned in order to help their children and grandchildren to develop physical, mental, emotional and spiritual maturity. Now that technology is taking away our attention from things that matter most, when the stability of the family is threatened by all sides; modern generation parents need to realise that every word or deed of a parent is a fibre woven into the character of the child.

The admonition in the readings of today is in no way designed to imply the subordination of the one over the other. No! It is not about gender difference but role difference. The intention is to admonish each member of the Christian household to live out her/his faith in accordance with her/his vocation.

Children are to respect and honour their Parents; such has its benefits the guarantee of future happiness. Sometimes in our dealings with our parents and seniors we tend to think that they are out of touch of reality and modernity. Even if this is the case, such is not an excuse for refraining to show reverence and respect.

To wives, Paul admonishes that you should give way to your husbands. This is another way of saying that you should not always insist on your rights or in publicly telling your husband his faults to his face. None of us likes this, no matter how well intentioned they may seem. Rather, wives should always bear with the failings of their husband and compliment their good deeds. This is a valid instruction for all (children, wives and husband).

Husbands should love their wives and treat them with gentleness. Do not be harsh or demanding but rather be patient with your wife and show her how important she is to you and your home.

A Christian family has Christ as its centre and his teachings are the family guidelines.  Clothing ourselves with, “Mercy, Kindness, Patience, Humility, and Forgiveness” (Col. 3:12). A Christian family is a church in miniature.  May the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, intercede for all families.

Happy Holy Family Day!        Happy Sunday!!         Happy Last Sunday of the Year 2019!!!