Feast of the Holy Family

The Gospel tells us: "When Mary and Joseph had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him." (Lk 2: 39-40) This brief reference provides a cultural, geographical and religious context for the Jesus as well as the pre-conditions for the development of a healthy child. He did not grow up in a vacuum. How many children today are born to a law abiding couple (in the religious sense of the term) who have the stability  of relationship, place and cultural identity? So many are prey to uncertainty and a lack of even a basic sense of the patrimony passed on at great cost by their ancestors? Even the spelling of their names shows forth a rootless and shallow milieu with no real connection to the past and little thought as to what is required for the future. Does no one think about the child trying to fit their name on a passport application or being burdened with the obligation to spell their name every time they say it!? More and more priests and believing grandparents feel aghast and helpless as they see the precious Catholic heritage tossed out to make way for "bread and the circus." The writer of the letter to the Hebrews warns us: "See to it that no one becomes like Esau, an immoral and godless person, who sold his birthright for a single meal. You know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, even though he sought the blessing with tears." (Heb. 12: 16-17). The advice to the Colossians still holds good: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in he name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col 3: 16-17)