Family: The Original Temple

The Holy Family (Year A)
Ecclesiasticus 3:3-7,14-17 | Psalm 127(128):1-5 | Matthew 2:13-15,19-23


Yesterday, the world grieved the passing of Debbie Reynolds, whose daughter Carrie Fisher had herself died the previous day. Popular opinion is that Debbie and Carrie shared such a strong bond that losing her daughter sapped her will to live.

I stumbled across an Oprah interview with the mother-daughter duo that gives some credence to this theory. It was by turns hilarious, poignant, soul-baring and just a little man-bashing, but also a stark example of what can happen when a family falls apart:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzjgp2XebwE

And as I ponder today’s scripture, this passage:

My son, support your father in his old age,
do not grieve him during his life.
Even if his mind should fail, show him sympathy,
do not despise him in your health and strength;
for kindness to a father shall not be forgotten
but will serve as reparation for your sins. (Ecclesiasticus 3:12-14)

reminded me of my own nephew who, with his mother, has been taking care of his father through two decades of Parkinson’s. Few things say “I love you, Dad” better than helping him bear his crushing cross.

✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞

Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said: “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” Jesus was given to the world, but He was first God’s gift to Mary and Joseph, and they in turn were surely God’s gift to the King of all.

So as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, let us look to our own families and give each other the love and support we need, reconciling our differences, quenching our anger and frustration, praying for each other, lifting each other up in the sight of God.

Let us also pray for those who have lost their family, or who have only known abuse and hatred from their kin. May they find comfort in the loving embrace of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, the model of love and mercy.

Amen.

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