Family is forever
Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Jesus. In the Gospel we hear, “Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies.”(Luke 2: 46-47)
Mary and Joseph had travelled to Jerusalem as they did each year for the Passover. This was a three day journey and they travelled with a large group of relatives and acquaintances. On their way back they found Jesus was missing, so they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
“And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his 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 I must be in my Father’s house?” Then we hear Jesus went back with them and lived under their authority.
Mary and Joseph did what any good parents would do.
Jesus was questioning and looking for answers which is what all teenagers do.
Our concern for our own families should extend to other families in difficulties; struggling with poverty abuse and alcohol addiction. Society has a duty of care.
Jesus was part of an extended family and leading a normal life.
Joseph was a carpenter or builder and Jesus learnt the trade while Mary did what all mothers did, caring for the family and the home.
These days families are fortunate if the mother can fulfil her primary role of nurture and care for the family and home, at least while the children are young albeit with possibilities for personal development in working part time or full time later on. Fathers living with their families fulfil their primary role as protectors and providers but with ‘hands on’ in the family ideally. Job shares, part time working and variable hours can help a great deal with family cohesion.
Free enterprise economics often give little or no consideration to the family.
The Holy Family account gives us the Judeo-Christian family model which harmonises with nature.
In a Pastoral letter from Bishop John Wilson, Archdiocese of Southwark he reminds us; “See what kind of love the Father has given us to us that we should be called children of God.”(1 John 3:1) He continues, “Our identity as the beloved children of God is the foundation of our discipleship as the family of God. The Lord Jesus came into the world in the embrace of a family. Through him, we are drawn into the very life of God as brothers and sisters in Christ”.