Saint Francis of Assisi (ANCC): Feast of the Holy Family (2018)

This Sunday, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family. In the Gospel reading, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are presented as a faithful Jewish family. They are participating in the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, an event shared each year with family and friends. When Jesus is found, Luke describes him as seated in the Temple in the midst of the Jewish teachers. Although he is young, Jesus seems not to need teaching about his Jewish tradition. In his dialogue with these learned teachers, Jesus astounds them with his insight and understanding. When Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the Temple, they question Jesus and express their anxiety. Jesus says that he was never lost; he was at home in his Father's house. This feast reminds us the importance of our family relationships. Jesus grew up in the guidance of Mary and Joseph as he advanced in wisdom and age. We too are encouraged to reflect on our own family relationships and perhaps be more mindful about our words and actions specially those in our care. It is in the family how our children form their values as they mature.