The Holy Family

INVEST IN FAMILY

1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24; Luke 2:41-52

Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family

A little boy asks his father when he returns from work: “Daddy, how much do you make an hour?” The father is surprised: “Look, son, not even your mum asks that question!” The son keeps insisting. The father is tired and so replies: “Four hundred rupees.” “Daddy, could you lend me two hundred?” Dad is livid: “So that was the reason you asked how much I earn, right? Now, go to sleep and don’t bug me anymore!” 

Later, the father feels guilty; his son may have needed to buy something. He goes to his son’s room. “Are you asleep, son?” “No, Daddy. Why?” Dad gives him two hundred bucks: “Here’s the money you asked for earlier.” “Thanks, Daddy!” replies the boy. Then he reaches under his pillow, pulls out some crumbled notes, joyfully gives them to Dad: “Now I have enough! Daddy, here’s four hundred rupees; please give me an hour of your time tomorrow!” 

This is only a story, but it drives home a crucial point: a huge threat facing families today is we don’t spend enough time together. We are busy working or watching our screens; we have little time for each other. Today’s Feast challenges us to invest in our family life.

The holy family spent time doing religious things together.

Luke writes: “Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover…” The distance between Nazareth and Jerusalem was over 100 kilometres. Travelling was on foot; the journey was dangerous. Despite hardships, Mary and Joseph fulfilled their religious commitments together. 

The holy family came together at mealtime. 

We read: “In the evening they looked for him among their relations and acquaintances.” The pilgrims travelled in groups… men in one group and women in another, and children with either group. But Joseph and Mary were particular they came together for the meal. 

The holy family gave priority to family.

“He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them.” This is a bit of a puzzle! The twelve-year old Jesus knew that his mission was to be about his Father’s business. Yet he returned to Nazareth with his parents to spend the next eighteen years there. For every one year of his public life, Jesus spent ten years in family; that is the importance he gave to family and time with them.

The Holy Family is an example and a challenge to us to value and invest in our families before all else, even when our job is as important as saving the world.

How will I spend time with my family: will I pray together, eat together, and value our life together?