From The Pastor’s Desk
The pagan philosophers of Greece and Rome reflected quite deeply upon the role of family in human life. They saw that children owed more to their parents than to anyone except to the gods. Obviously, children’s physical existence and basic education depend upon mom and dad. But if you think about it, children owe much more to their parents. We learn our native tongue not from our schoolteachers, but from our parents. We pick up from them, as by observing; attitudes, mannerisms, gestures, and habits. Like it or not, we are profoundly influenced not only by our genes, but by our family experience.
All ancient cultures saw the extraordinary debt that children owe their parents, thus parents were due a unique degree of honor, respect, and affection. No one has been given more responsibility for us than our parents, and so we must give them more honor and respect than anyone. We see that reflected in the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament.
This weekend, the Sunday after Christmas we celebrate the Holy Family. It is a celebration built upon the family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. OK, so it was easier for Jesus to give his parents honor, affection, and respect given that Mary was immaculate and Joseph was a saint. And it was certainly easier for Mary and Joseph not to nag or provoke Jesus based on the fact that he was the sinless Son of God.
We very frankly state our families of parents and children happen to be sinners. So we hear in our second reading today from Col 3: 12-21 on the Feast of the Holy Family with its command to “forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.” A Christian family is holy not because it is sinless, but because it responds to sin with forgiveness rather than resentment. When we hurt each other, we cannot let it slide. The offender must find it within themselves to say “I’m sorry, please forgive me.” And the one offended must pronounce those liberating words: “I forgive you.” And then the matter must be forgotten. That is what’s makes our families holy.
Celebrate your family this weekend. Love each other and parents even if your children are teenagers give them a hug. Young people respect and love your parents who have given you life, faith life, love and a home. Each family look to the Holy Family and become a holy family.