Dec 27, 2020 - Feast of the Holy Family
(Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Col 3:12–21; Lk 2:22–40)
Each year, we hear the readings on the Feast of the Holy Family which outline ideal family relationships, with spouses and children loving and honoring each other. In previous years, we might have given a nod to these relationships while bustling back and forth to all the other activities we were engaged in. This year, it’s different! Either we have been much, much closer to our families as all other activities were closed down – or, we have been yearning for more time with family members who we cannot be close to due to Covid restrictions.
In the first reading, children are admonished to love and respect their parents. Indeed, this is the gift that children can give which is so precious to a parent. Parents know that toddlers will test our patience, teenagers will rebel, and young adults will need to establish new relationships – but beneath it all, strong bonds of love and honor will withstand any strains. For a family rooted in love of God, this common bond is even deeper. St Paul extends this family bond to the whole church, urging his followers to patience, forgiveness, love and gratitude towards each other. In the Gospel, the theme changes from focusing on our earthly family, to being faithful to God, our Heavenly Father, just as Simeon and Anna were. It seemed hopeless in their old age that God would fulfill their longing for a Savior – but God rewarded their faithfulness in His time.