Luke 2, 22-40
31st December 2023: The Holy Family B.
Only a week has passed since Christmas and today we propose a brief reflection on this newly formed family: the Holy Family. We do so on the basis of the texts proposed in the liturgy of the day. Sirach speaks to us of love and respect for one’s parents, who will even serve to atone for our sins. St. Paul reminds us that we are God’s chosen ones and that forgiveness, peace and love should reign in the family. And St Luke, in the Gospel, reminds us how Mary and Joseph presented the child in the temple as the law required, and that Jesus grew up full of God’s wisdom and grace.
The beginnings of the Holy Family were not easy: no room in the inn, persecuted by Herod, emigrants to Egypt. Nor were the later moments, which would end on the cross. But at all times they were under God’s watchful eye, accepting and fulfilling his will. Today, more than ever, they must be the mirror in which we can look, learn and imitate. Always with the certainty that God is also with us.
In these times, many families are going through economic difficulties, health problems, break-ups… Lack of dialogue, mistrust, lack of capacity for sacrifice, closed attitudes towards others are the cause of family failures. Mutual respect is necessary, a return to the enthusiasm of the first moments, and for love to be the basis and support for everything that comes along. Let the children be the dreams of the parents, and the parents the pride of their children.
I would like these words to be a breath of hope and optimism, of determination and commitment, for all the families who are immersed in doubt and difficulties and see the future as too bleak.
Congratulations to all of you who are part of a family in which all its members are loved! May the year that is about to begin bring happiness to all families.
Juan Ramón Gómez Pascual, cmf
May children be the dream of their parents, and parents the pride of their children.
