Dear Ones:
“So, how’s the family?” How often is this question asked, perhaps at times in a manner that is more casual and perfunctory than introduced with focused interest. It certainly is an important question. And there is no better occasion on which to consider it than this weekend, as we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family within the octave of Christmas.
As we take a good, long look at the current “climate” within our individual families, consider this attendant question: when I consider the Holy Family, do I fundamentally experience a sense of solidarity and connection between them and us, or a strong disconnect (“Joseph and Mary and Jesus are nothing like my family!”)? How we answer the second question has a striking impact—in my view—on our consideration of the first question.
I remember one Thanksgiving homily, wherein I suggested that as we gather the family at these meant-to-be-festive seasons, many of us envision Norman Rockwell and end up more Pablo Picasso. If the reader is left feeling vague from these references, now may be a great time to look up the respective artist’s works. I mean all due respect for both, at least from at the level of effort.
At this point in my life, I am yet occasionally asked, “How many children do you have?” Without being flippant or inappropriate, as a priest I could reply, “Almost too many to count.” As a pastor, I am entrusted with the care of a very expansive—and likewise diverse—family. If people wonder how so many different beings can come forth from the same womb, it surely is a point of reflection in a parish community. Yet, we are all born from the same womb—the womb of the baptismal font—and the same God is loving Father to us all. Despite our differences, we are called to remain committed to one another “in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.”
We can be sure that the Holy Family of Nazareth experienced a tremendous amount of chaos in the world around them. Scripture makes this clear. We can also be confident that they faced the uncertainties and the growling violence with an unshakable heart of fierce, yet gentle, love. While it may be the case that presently, within your own family, there are wounds yet unaddressed and hurts yet festering. Do not let this day go by without calling on—perhaps shouting out to—Jesus and Mary and Joseph to show you the way. May they guide the life of this family of faith of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, now and always.
Allow me to take the opportunity to express that I thank God, each and every day, for granting me the gift of you¬— all of you— as my family. I love you.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
