The Holy  Family

 

My dear parishioners,

God is Good!!!  All the time!!!  And all the time!!!  God is Good!!!

From the second century before the time of Jesus comes this inspiring collection of lessons offering sound spiritual advice. Sirach’s abundant teachings build up to the praise of faithful notables, found in the book’s final chapters. The lives of these ideal servants of God exhibited the kind of covenant-based wisdom Sirach holds so dear. The portion of the book represented in this reading concentrates on practical advice that will lead to strong bonds within any family.

Sirach reminds his readers that God is the origin of the human family. God grants men and women the great privilege of bringing children into the world through the gift of marriage.  Respect displayed by children to their parents also gives honor to God, who nourishes the human family from the beginning. Devotion to father and mother is so close to devotion to God that Sirach can say someone who honors a father atones for sins. Likewise, God will hear the prayers of someone who reveres a mother. Respect in the family leads to gifts only God can give. These include a long life and the joy of bringing another generation into the world.

Sirach urges children to display toward their parents that same kindness and care they expect to receive from God. Such devotion will assure a firm foundation for justice. One fine example of such family devotion comes from the books of Moses, which Sirach held in very high esteem. Consider the ideal love that Joseph displayed toward his aged father in the final chapters of Genesis.

First, there is the theological point that Lk wants to make. This comes toward the end of the story where Jesus tells his parents that he must be about his Father’s work (or house). This is Jesus himself confirming his Divine Sonship, something that has been affirmed by others, but not by Jesus until now.

The second level is the human interaction that goes on between Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The adolescent Jesus has come up missing within the extended family while traveling home from Jerusalem and the high holy days. When it is discovered that Jesus is not with the group, panic sets in. Anything could have happened to an adolescent boy in a crowded city at that time of year. The journey stops, and they return to Jerusalem, searching for Jesus. Eventually, he is found in the temple, interacting with the teachers, who apparently are astounded by his wisdom and knowledge. However, Mary and Joseph are not at all astounded by his brilliance. They are astounded that he has wandered off without telling them, thus putting them through this nightmare of worry and fear. His response to them about the necessity of being in his Father’s house falls on deaf ears. The next scene finds him back with the group.

Excerpts from “Sunday Homily Helps”, is used by permission of Franciscan Media. www.FranciscanMedia.org. All rights reserved

 Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Aloysius