The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, December 27, 2020
(Genesis 15: 1-6.21: 1-3; Hebrews 11: 8.11-12.17-19; Luke 2:
22-40)
There is a lot of talk about privilege
these days. Some say that the person is privileged if he has rich parents.
Others count as a privilege to have attended a private school. Still others
claim that white people are privileged. It is true wealth and good education
are considerable benefits. However, they are not as helpful as having just
parents. We see these kinds of parents in the Mass readings today.
In the first and second readings Abram and
Sarah are shown as a couple committed to the Lord. Abram leaves his father when
he receives the call from God. Even though Sarah has not borne him children,
Abram remains faithful to her. It is true that on Sarah’s insistence Abram has
relations with his slave. But when Sara realizes her mistake, the two send the
slave and her son packing. Above all, Abram manifests justice when God tests
him to the core of his being. He does not deny God, if it is His will, the
sacrifice of his only son.
With even more coherence, Mary and Joseph
act as righteous people. They go to Bethlehem where Jesus is born in obedience
to imperial law. The gospel today shows them heeding God's law when they
present Jesus in the temple. Later in this gospel, Jesus will call his mother
and brothers "’those who listen to the Word of God and carry it
out.’" This is not a rejection of Mary but the opposite. Because she
always keeps God's word, Mary can be considered his mother in two senses.
It can be truly said that there is
currently a need for righteous parents. The social environment distorts the
values necessary to please God. Listen to the "Christmas songs."
They once expressed the wonder of having the Son of God with us. Now they are
absorbed with craving for consumer gifts. Another distortion can be seen in the
presentation of promiscuity. Out of wedlock sex is portrayed in cinemas and
television as good for both teens and adults.
In this environment, parents have to
reflect Jesus. He will always be "the light to the nations" as Simeon
calls him in the gospel. Mothers reflect Jesus when they instruct their
children about God. Children need not only to learn prayers but also to hear of
God's love. Fathers reflect “the light to the nations” when they convey the
correct understanding of sex to their children. Teenagers, if not younger
children, have to learn that intimate relationships are reserved for marriage.
They have to appreciate that sex is not for self- gratification but to express
total commitment to the other forever.
We are ending a year that has been both
promising and miserable. It was miserable because of all the problems the virus
caused. It was promising because families spent more time together. We hope
that 2021 will be better in terms of health, work, and school. But may this New
Year see the continuation of families spending time together. And may their
coming together transmit values worthy of Jesus, the light to the nations.
