Parent's Vulnerability

The Holy Family

December 27, 2015

First reading                                                                             Ecclesiasticus 3:3-7, 14-17

The Lord honours the father in his children,

  and upholds the rights of a mother over her sons.

Whoever respects his father is atoning for his sins,

  he who honours his mother is like someone amassing a fortune.

Whoever respects his father will be happy with children of his own,

  he shall be heard on the day when he prays.

Long life comes to him who honours his father,

  he who sets his mother at ease is showing obedience to the Lord.

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.

Psalm	Psalm 127:1-5

Second reading                                                                           Colossians    3:12-21                 You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful.   Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God; and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.   Wives, give way to your husbands, as you should in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and treat them with gentleness. Children, be obedient to your parents always, because that is what will please the Lord. Parents, never drive your children to resentment or you will make them feel frustrated.

Gospel                                                                           Luke 2:41-52

Every year the parents of Jesus used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. They assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day’s journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere.

  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. They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have, you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’ ‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?’ But they did not understand what he meant.

  He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men.

Reflection

By Pietro S. Albano

But they did not understand what he meant.

I remember this verse since I was in Grade 3 because that was the line I have to say (followed by a Hail Mary) during our Living Rosary in school.  In today's Gospel, we find Mary and Joseph's vulnerability.  They were unable to grasp why their child stayed behind. Such vulnerability is shared by other parents.  Imagine the many episodes of our youth when we would arrive home past the agreed time? And when we explain honestly that we got busy in a church or school activity, our parents could hardly see where we are coming from.

Just a few days ago, we celebrated the Birth of Jesus.  Christmas is the season when families get together, to renew ties, to be reconciled.  As the domestic Church, the family is the foremost recipient and agent of God's mercy.  Understanding the intentions of our family - be it spouse, child/ren, or other relatives - can be a struggle, but we can learn a lot from the Holy Family.

From Mary, we can learn how it is receive in faith our own experience and wait patiently till God makes it clear why this has happened. From Joseph, we could learn the value of working silently and faithfully for the good of the family.  From Jesus, we could learn humble obedience to His parents.  

The Gospel ends with "And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men".  Through God's grace and the faithful nurturing of parents, may this be also said of our children, of our families.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You subjected Yourself to the authority of Mary and Joseph. By doing so, You have been nurtured to become our Healer and Savior.  Bless all families that they may become havens of Your unfathomable mercy. We make our prayer with Mary and Joseph. Amen.