The Holy Family

FOREVER FAITHFUL

Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3; Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Luke 2:22-40

Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family

Timothy Stackpole was a New York fire fighter. In June 1998‚ he was severely injured in a fire. He had fourth/ fifth degree burns over 40% of his body, which needed multiple surgeries and months of painful rehabilitation. He had two goals: to spend as much time as he could with his family and to return to his job. Despite the advice of friends and family, and the fact that he could retire comfortably, he returned to work on 10 March 2001.

On 9/11, Stackpole had just finished duty when he heard news of the disaster. He rushed to the second tower. It collapsed shortly thereafter and took his life. He died forever faithful to his calling.

Forever faithful! These words sum up the thrust of today’s readings and speak for each character in them.

The first and second readings extol the faith of Israel’s first family. God promises Abraham many descendants. Abraham, though old and childless, “put his faith in the Lord.” God asks Abraham to leave his homeland and to sacrifice his son. Abraham is forever faithful.

The gospel recounts the faith of the Holy Family. Joseph and Mary present their son in the temple “just as it is written in the law of the Lord.” They did and would undergo difficult times; their son, Simeon tells them, “is destined… to be a sign that will be contradicted.” They remain forever faithful. Simeon and Anna are idealized portraits of the faithful remnant of Israel awaiting the Messiah’s coming.

Forever faithful! That’s the challenge and invitation to our families today… despite all the pressures, tensions, and crises we face. 

Will you and I remain faithful to God and to one another despite and in the face of troubles?