The Sunday following Christmas is usually the Feast of the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, but not in the year when Christmas falls on a Sunday. We know little about Jesus’ family life, but there are a few mentions in the Gospels. When Jesus is young and threatened by Herod, his parents take him to Egypt. When he is older, his parents take him to Jerusalem in a caravan and, on the way home, they discover he is not with them. They find him in the Temple. It is one of the few incidents when Mary and Joseph share visible panic about their child. They were separated from him for three days (prophecy of his death and resurrection). We should not overlook their great fear and anxiety. His words, “Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house” are a reminder that he is not only their son, but also the Son of God. This story reminds us that Mary and Joseph knew anxiety as we do. They can relate to our emotional reactions in challenging situations.
In our imagination, the Holy Family ought to have superior advantages. Joseph was righteous, Mary was immaculately conceived, and Jesus is the Son of God. However, Jesus is born in a chaotic situation, and the family finds refuge in a stable or some kind of cave. There is not the slightest hint of Jesus’ divine nature and true destiny in these humbling circumstances. The visit of the magi complicates matters by catching Herod’s attention. Herod’s insecurities result in the massacre of the holy innocent children of Bethlehem.
Many families experience peril for a variety of reasons. From their place of peril, it may seem pointless to appeal to the Holy Family, given their righteousness and perfection. As we read these ancient scriptures, we are reminded that Emmanuel (God is with us) means that we are never alone when we are in a crisis, and neither are our loved ones. We can pray in confidence to the Holy Family. They have experienced danger, rejection, and oppression. Emmanuel is not just an Advent concept; it is promise that God is with us, especially in our darkest and most dangerous hours. This is the Holy Family’s gift to us as we begin another new year.
Fr. Gary
