Dear Friends,
Nothing is more important in life than our family
relationships. Nothing. No matter how we characterize our own, family life is
basis, indispensable and in threatened. Still, we have probably had more of
family life during this pandemic year than we have had in any other.
Not only are young children experiencing distance learning
at home, but our older children are unexpectedly home from college for longer
periods. Perhaps our sons and daughters, who have lived in distant cities have
been laid off and can’t afford their housing anyone. Maybe grandparents have joined
us or cousins. Is the atmosphere relaxed? Probably not. Families in any
circumstances need to work at their life together, but in this year of anxiety,
boredom and loose ends, the work of the family becomes more arduous. However, we
experience it, it’s true: We grow as humans in our family only through
commitment, perseverance and courage. Whatever it takes!
It’s no surprise that the liturgists who put together the
biblical texts for Holy Family Sunday include portions from Matthew and Luke,
who reveal not only the covenant of love between Mary and Joseph, their moments
of awe and wonder, but also the stresses they experienced.
In our own family lives, I hope that, like Mary and Joseph,
we accept each other’s dreams, support each other and accept the support of
strangers like Simeon and Anna.
While we can’t imitate the lives of Jesus and Mary step by
step, we can be like them – open and responsive to the beckoning of God and
help each other live it out. As Paul says in Colossians today, in our family
interactions, let us put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience.
Family life is precious, whether it is our own personal
family, where our weaknesses are accommodated and our victories applauded, or
whether it is the family of the universe to which we belong.
When Pope Francis was in Philadelphia in 2015, he focused on
the family: “A healthy family requires the frequent use of these three phrases – 'May I please,' 'thank you,' and 'I’m sorry.'”
If any of us is looking for New Year’s resolutions, a holy
place to start may be bringing to life in our home the examples of Mary and
Joseph, the words of Paul to the Colossians and Pope Francis.
We have the human resources to do so.
~ Sister Joan Sobala
