Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. With Christ as the center of who they were, Mary and Joseph were obedient to the Law of the Lord. They knew that God was the center of who they were as a family.
In the 2nd reading from the Office of Readings for today, we read a reflection from Pope St. Paul VI. He says, "Nazareth is a kind of school where we may begin to discover what Christ's life was like and even to understand his Gospel. Here we can observe and ponder the simple appeal of the way God's Son came to be known, profound yet full of hidden meaning. And gradually we may even learn to imitate him."
Pope St. Paul VI would go on to describe the difficulties the Holy Family faced during that time in history. He goes on to say, "Here we can learn the importance of spiritual discipline for all who wish to follow Christ and to live by the teachings of the Gospel."
The Holy Family lived out their lives in obedience to God's Holy Will, no matter what the challenges were. Importantly, they kept God's Laws in the center of who they were. This is an example of how we are to live out our lives: keeping God's Law (as we understand them through our Catholic Faith). By doing so, no matter the difficulties we face, we will have the peace of knowing that God is present to us in all our struggles.
Another part of Pope St. Paul's reflection that touches me and helps me to remain focused on God's love for me and my family, is where he says, referring to the Holy Family in Nazareth, "First, we can learn from its silence. If only we could once again appreciate its great value. We need this wonderful state of mind, beset as we are by the cacophony of strident protests and conflicting claims characteristic of these turbulent times." It seems that the "turbulent times" are still with us. It is through the gift of Holy Silence that we can be open to the promptings to what God is attempting to tell us. Further, through silent prayer we can pray for peace in all the "hot spots" of the world.
During this time of transition from the old year to the new year, let's make time to be quiet and to be in the presence of God, meditating on His love for us and remembering that God is always present to us, no matter the struggles we may be facing.
Let us also pray for those suffering in the Holy Land that peace may come, and people of all faith backgrounds may have a greater understanding for each other and a mutual love and respect that God intends for all people, no matter their background.
From Arlene B. Muller
ReplyDeleteAmen. In his homily at St. Margaret's Church (noon Mass) Father Joseph spoke about the Holy Family's obedience to the law of Moses/law of GOD.
Although I rarely spend time in absolute silence (I usually have Christian music, Christian radio, Christian TV or HALLMARK in the background), I have always believed that revelry is not a proper way to end the old year & usher in the New Year. (And people getting drunk makes ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE WHATSOEVER--why start a New Year being sick with a hangover!!)
I like either to be home alone or with a few prayerful friends from Church to thank GOD for His blessings during the year, repent of our sins & faults & ask the LORD to bless, protect & guide us through the challenges of the coming year. In the late 80s/early 90s I used to invite a few friends from my prayer group & sometimes some family members. We would have a Scripture passage, a prayer that I would compose, & song on the themes of repentance, thanksgiving & petitions & time for petitions. Then we would have a little wine, cheese, snacks, a bit if champagne at midnight & then coffee or tea & cake/cookies.
No gatherings for many years, but sometimes I write a reflection or write in my prayer journal.
Maybe I will be posting on FACEBOOK & sending text messages tonight with Christian music or Christian TV or HALLMARK in the background.