THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
(Sirach 3:3-7, 14-17; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23)
Let us begin our reflection today by turning our attention
to the second reading. In the Letter to the Colossians, we are urged to put on
love, “the bond of perfection.” The author wants “the word of Christ” — not the
word of the street — to dwell within us. He further desires that everything we
say and everything we do be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Sadly, many people are unaware of or ignore this guidance
from on high. A journalist notes how hatred among races and religions has been
increasing in our society. As evidence, he points to the behavior of a certain group
of young people who, instead of showing disapproval or outrage, complacently allow
remarks portraying Jews as dishonest. He also mentions another organization
that failed to correct a member who described African-Americans in dehumanizing
terms.
The journalist goes on to observe that such hateful
discrimination is accompanied by the coarsening of everyday language. Today,
vulgar words — especially those referring to sexual intimacy — are spoken aloud
and tolerated, even in the parental home. And with far less reluctance than a
generation ago, people suggest the inferiority of poor minorities. It is as if,
in order to appear honest or authentic, one must expose the most primitive
impulses of the human heart.
All of this coarse and degrading speech runs contrary to the
teaching of Jesus Christ. In his saving work, Christ raised humanity to its
highest dignity in history. He taught that it is more honorable to support the
needy in their distress than to enrich oneself. A mother in a film expressed
this truth simply: “There are two paths in life: the path of nature and the
path of grace.” She continued saying that nature is self-centered and seeks
control over everything, while grace opens outward in the gift of oneself.
Saint Joseph stands as a model of a life lived with grace.
He speaks no offensive words in the Gospels; in fact, he speaks no words at
all, because he is a man of righteous deeds rather than empty speech. Saint
Joseph faithfully obeys God’s commands and instructions without complaint or
delay. In today’s Gospel, he takes his family to Egypt during the massacre of
the innocents; he returns when the persecution ends; and brings Jesus and Mary
to Nazareth, where they can live in peace.
Jesus himself provides an even deeper example, because his
grace goes far beyond outward imitation. Being God, he enters our hearts to
transform them from within. He moves us in countless ways; let us mention just
three. Grace enables us to grow in dignity and wisdom in the context of our
families. It strengthens us against the
vices of greed and lust that tear families apart. Finally, it increases our love for one
another despite defects. It is through this
love purified by sacrifice that we catch a glimpse of God.
