Friar’s Corner: Jesus, Mary and Joseph, a model for family harmony
Sirach 3:2-6 , 12-14; Psalm 128:1-5; Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
What is the church’s intention for this feast in the midst of the Christmas cycle? The intention in this feast is to present Mary, Joseph and Jesus as a model for Christian families. The Sirach reading, written in the second century B.C., speaks today of reverence for one’s parents in words that have a timeless quality. In Colossians, Paul presents practical ways in which the bond of love expressed itself within the Christian community, including family relations. The Gospel selection today from Matthew’s infancy narratives, while not written primarily to highlight family values, does point to the guardian role of Joseph for Mary and Jesus.
One thing is certain. The scriptures are totally at odds with the decimation and demise of the family. Governments are not the problem. Religion has a much greater responsibility for building a solid family life. When we take a broader view, Satan and his many evil forces are attacking the human race to destroy good and take us off to hell. That should be very clear in watching the news. We all inherit the fallen nature of Adam and Eve from the garden. God, his ways and kingdom are the only power tools to clearly stand against the evils of this world. Sacramental marriage has a major role in our journey to heaven.
Jesus grew up in a closely-knit law-abiding Jewish family in the way they lived, worked and prayed in a small Palestinian village. People have to be convinced today that to embark on married life is a great responsibility yet assisted with many God-given helps.
God’s plan for marriage
Marriage was a major part of God’s plan for humanity from the very beginning. Back in the early part of Genesis, Adam was grateful for the provision and beauty of the Garden of Eden, yet a monkey or lion were not good companions for Adam. God gave him a beautiful companion in Eve. Our bodies are similar yet with major differences to help God continue the creation of new humans. Our brains are also wired differently according to the roles men and women must perform.
The vocation of Christian marriage is written in the very DNA of every man and woman as they came from the hand of their Creator, (CCC, No 1603). A young man and woman need to ask God if the other person they are drawn to, is God’s gift for them to become their best friend and help them get to heaven. That intimate union will automatically exclude a relationship with anyone else. As a couple, they go through life stages, as we all do. Children can only be conceived within a 5- or 6-day time slot once a month if both parents are in good health. With the creation of a new life within the woman, there is about a twenty-year responsibility to provide for, nurture and prepare each child for a successful adult life continuing the human journey toward our heavenly reward.
Living a good sacramental life within the church will help the growing children experience acceptance, love, peace, joy and cooperation in living life together as a good family. Through his church, God provides much assistance in this process. The faith growth and example of parents for their children will greatly help their life programming and success. Having more than one child helps develop the ability to deal with human differences. (I think this is very necessary.) If these elements are not there strongly from the parents, the evils of the world with sexual abuse, pornography, drugs etc, will destroy good human life.
Marriage Encounter
There is so much to be said in this regard. If we stay as close to God and his church as “fish do to water,” or “the bark to a tree,” we will live a happier and more successful life. God has provided various “Renewal Movements,” across the world. One that can greatly help married couples is Marriage Encounter. It is a weekend training school given by three couples and one priest. It covers sixteen various personal topics that help couples move through life stages remembering and keeping alive why they got married in the first place.
Keep up your daily prayer life wanting to get closer to Jesus and for those of you who are married, make a Marriage Encounter this coming year.
There are wonderful daily treasures that God has for us. The greatest daily miracle is Mass and receiving God’s greatest gift to us, the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. I almost “float” when I hold Jesus in my hands after I say the words of consecration at Mass. Try to make an effort in the New Year to attend daily Mass. You will grow more and more in love with him.
Have a safe, blessed and Happy New Year,
+ Father Bob Hilz
fbhilz@gmail.com
