December 27-28, 2008
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3 Hebrews 11:8-19 Luke 2:22-40
Okay, how about a holy card with Mary looking exasperated and at wits end after spending a day doing laundry and tending to her infant son? How about a painting of Joseph and Mary having an argument while the infant Jesus wails aloud? What sort of conversation did Mary and Joseph have when they inadvertently left the young Jesus in the temple? Oh to be a fly on the wall of that one as they hurried back to Jerusalem! Ever wonder about the conversation Mary and Joseph had when they had to flee to Egypt or return to Israel? How about the anguish in Joseph’s face and voice when he discovered his beloved Mary was pregnant and he was not the father….did he cry, did he yell, did he question? We do know he was thinking of divorcing her…until the angels intervened. Our traditions of Christmas mask the vividness of human life with a warm glow and sweetness that is deceiving. Indeed, if our own relationships and families do not measure up to the pictures and images portrayed of the Holy Family we can easily think of ourselves as failures. Our celebration of the Holy Family is not about reinforcing the sweet vignettes developed by pious painters and writers. That Mary and Joseph wrestled with life issues is not up for doubt. Their sanctity is not that they looked sweetly at each other or never dealt with serious issues or concerns. What is of value is that they found strength and support in each other as they faced each new perplexing challenge. That they had to be open to the unexpected is obvious (uh, somewhat unusual pregnancy, birth in the stable, fleeing to Egypt, etc.) That they responded to each challenge is equally apparent. This weekend we bless and highlight the variety of ways in which the ‘Holy Family’ is manifested in 2008. Single parents, struggling to do right by your kids…you are a HOLY FAMILY. Two parents, confused and perplexed as your kids grow and confound you…you are a HOLY FAMILY. Two people in relationship, struggling to figure each other out, trying to forgive, trying to be honest, trying to be open….you are a HOLY FAMILY. You grandparents raising the grandkids, you adopting and foster parents, you unique family units struggling to make ends meet and do right for each other and those who depend on you….YOU are a HOLY FAMILY. As we honor the Holy Family we do not simply measure ourselves against the pious images of Mary, Joseph and Jesus….rather we acknowledge those to whom we turn when the world is cold, when our day has been miserable, when life has kicked us in the teeth and we have been rejected and betrayed by our own actions and that of others. We acknowledge our FAMILY…whatever family to which we belong that allows us to get through each day…for that is OUR HOLY FAMILY!
Thank you for joining with us as we continue the Christmas Season with our celebration of all things family. To all who made our Christmas celebrations safe, beautiful and uplifting…THANK YOU! As always, Bulletins are available as you depart, while the calendar year comes to a close, life keeps on humming here at Corpus Christi. Special thanks goes to those who donated all the beautiful poinsettias…thank you for your generosity and good taste. As the New Year dawns, may it find you in good health, with fresh hopes and abundant possibilities. As you were loved throughout 2008, as we enter 2009 remember, you are still loved. FKB
