Feast of the Holy Family
This week’s readings have options, and the Celebrant is allowed to choose from them. All of these scripture readings have a strong message in them about family, and the Gospel depicts The Holy Family as an example for us.
Read this week’s readings here.
A Power Imbalance? Not Really!
Among the choices for the second reading is from 3 Colossians, which is a brief version of Ephesians chapter 5. Paul goes more in depth with this concept in Ephesians chapter 5, so I will repeat my notes from August here. Ephesians has some amazing teachings on the sacrament of marriage, that on the onset, seem like supporting a power imbalance in marriage. However, this happens because parts of the reading are often taken out of context. Ephesians 5:22, for many women, is the uncomfortable verse, especially in modern times. “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.” It is so out of context without the verse before it, “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.” and the ones after: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her.”
In Paul’s day, this was radical teaching – supporting women, who were still sold into marriage with a mohar (a kind of dowry) and were mainly considered property in those days. In modern times, this reading in its entirety still rings true. The additional verses around verse 22 offer the balance. We are to be submissive and kind to each other. Make decisions together. Comfort one another. Trust each other and forgive each other.
The Holy Family as a Model Family
The Holy Family is very much a blended family. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. We hear this all the time, but pause and think about what this means for Joseph. His role was to be Jesus’s earthly parent, teaching Him the ways of the world as a Man, and protecting Him from harm until Jesus is of age. This is a role Joseph was exemplary at, as seen in Luke’s Gospel. He is the model for stepparents and foster parents. All parents can model the Holy family in their lives.
Even though it was a solemn observance, the number of pilgrims coming to Jerusalem created a crowded festival-like setting. The city was packed with visitors from all over the region, and contemporary chronicler Josephus documented that many protests and incidents happened during Passover in Jerusalem. We all can recall those moments when we were in a strange place, at a festival or at State Fair, and we turn around and one of the kids is nowhere to be seen. Often for us, we look around a bit and there they are, and we are so relieved. However, Mary and Joseph looked everywhere and Jesus was not there! So, the good parents they were, they left the caravan and went back to Jerusalem.
I Must Be About My Father’s Work
We can imagine the relief the felt when they saw Him in the Temple. When Mary asks Him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” and Jesus replies, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:48-49) There is an interesting footnote in the NAB Bible about these two verses. It states, “I must be in my Father’s house: this phrase can also be translated, “I must be about my Father’s work.” In either translation, Jesus refers to God as his Father. His divine sonship, and his obedience to his heavenly Father’s will, take precedence over his ties to his family.” So, Jesus put God over His earthly family here.