The Holy Family—A Model for Christian Families
Dear Parishioners,
There is no institution that can compare to the family. It is the bedrock of human existence and civilization. Through the family, God continues the work of procreation and love. The birth of Jesus Christ draws our attention to the nobility and divine character of family life. We all come from families, and the family mirrors the Trinitarian nature of God, who reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, through whom the salvation of the world was made possible. They serve as a model for all Christian families. Our Scripture readings present their fidelity to God and their willingness to be used by Him. Shortly after the birth of Jesus, this young family went to the temple to offer the prescribed ritual sacrifice. There they encountered two remarkable individuals, Simeon and Anna, who reassured them that God was with them as they began to understand their new role as parents of the Divine Son.
Through Simeon’s words, we are given a glimpse of the destiny of this newborn child: “This child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel.” We ponder the meaning of these words. Jesus is God’s love made flesh for our salvation. His love draws a clear line between good and evil. His message demands a response—acceptance or rejection. He reveals authentic love, and no one can remain indifferent. The world is forever changed by His coming.
Family is essential in God’s plan of creation. It began with Adam and Eve. Through disobedience, they lost God’s grace, and sin and death entered the world. This new family of Joseph and Mary, through their obedience to God, brought grace and life into the world. Without the family, there would have been no child and no fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption.
Unfortunately, the institution of the family has come under severe attack from many directions, including the misuse of certain aspects of modern science and technology. In some parts of the world, governmental policies have diminished the dignity of family life. It seems that never in human history has the family been so profoundly threatened as it is in our time.
Moral evils such as abortion, euthanasia, and violence—perpetrated by both civil and religious bodies—have reached alarming proportions. Our society often appears to take pleasure in destroying human life, marriage, and family. While governments are meant to support family values, they cannot create them. Religion bears a greater responsibility for forming strong and healthy families. All around us we see broken homes, child abuse, addiction among parents, and children raising children. The list goes on.
Each of us has a role to play in building strong families and healthy homes. When one family suffers, all families suffer. When the family is destroyed, the nation is weakened. God gave us families so that we may live as neighbors and build community.
Today’s feast reminds us that God chose the family as the means through which redemption came into the world. Through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, we have become members of the family of God. Therefore, an attack on the family is also an attack on God’s plan. Let us pray that our attitudes and actions remain faithful to the example given to us by Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.
Sincerely yours in Christ
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike,
Pastor
