MAY THE PEACE OF CHRIST REIGN IN YOUR HEARTS

THE HOLY FAMILY - Colossians 3:12-21

As we celebrate the Holy Family, we ask God’s blessings to our families, so that they may become a source of blessings to all its members, the community and society.

In the gospel of Luke, we are told that the young Jesus, a boy of twelve, became so enchanted with the temple that he remained behind, mindless of everything else.  This forced Joseph and Mary to go and look for him. We get the impression that they trusted him more than he deserved. Once they found him, Mary complained: “My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.” Jesus’ answer was shocking: “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?” And they could not understand what he meant. At a very young age, Jesus was well aware of his mission and the purpose of his life. He came to be at the service of the Father, and that must be clear, first of all to Joseph and Mary. Once that is clear, everything else falls into place. And he went with them to Nazareth “and lived under their authority.”

In the second reading, taken from the letter to the Colossians, Paul makes a summary of essential attitudes in a Christian family. First of all, we must be aware that we are loved with great love. God has chosen us and we are his saints. It is this love coming from God that makes a true family possible. This love is expressed in attitudes of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Certainly, nobody has achieved perfection in any of these virtues, but they represent the ideal put forward before us. Every day, we must strive to grow in these virtues. Many times, we lag and end up hurting others in the family or community. That’s why Paul advises us to “bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins.” We are constantly in need of reconciliation and for that, we must apologise and ask for forgiveness. All this can only be possible if our hearts are filled with the love that comes from God. And then the peace of Christ will reign in our hearts. “Always be thankful”, for God’s grace and merciful love.

In this feast of the Holy family, let us pray for all families, mainly for those who are passing through difficult times. May God fill them with blessings and bring peace to their hearts.