Holy Family Sunday

by Sr Cynthia Hruby ND

Plight of the Family in Flight

The Gospel for today tells of Jesus in the temple teaching the elders.  His parents are in the caravan on the way home when they realize Jesus was not with them (LK 2:41-52).  The caravan, yes, we have been hearing for some time now of the caravan of families heading to our southern border. We know that many family members are separated and that the love that binds them is stretched beyond our imagination.

Question:  What experience in my life can I ponder so that I can begin to be in solidarity with the plight of parents who need to make the choice to flee their homeland? Share it with someone.

Traits of the Holy Family
(Adaptation of homily points by Rev. Bryce Sibley, 2014)

  1. Manifestation of genuine joy, peace, and hope; time together is time of re-creation;
  2. Presence of a transformative and regenerative love that is willing to affirm and sacrifice;
  3. A haven for development and formation of evangelical openness with courage to spread and proclaim Gospel values, not reactionary to the world, but a leaven in society;
  4. The practice of Christian Faith that is open and free, not obligation and rules but a freely chosen practice that animates life and radiates the joy of the Spirit. In addition, to model the Holy Family, active participation of both parents, especially the father of the family;
  5. Participation in generous stewardship of what God has given, reaching out to others in family activities and sharing with others in need.

Question:  Which traits are most characteristic of my family of origin? …of the family I was blest to form in my faith tradition, whether with or without a marriage partner?

Closing Blessing:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13); may you always remember, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).