THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY MUST EMULATE THE FAMILY OF NAZARETH. (1 Sam. 1:20-22,24-28; 1 John 3:1-2,21-24; Luke 2:41-52).
By REV. FR. PAUL ANIGBORO
Congratulations, you and I made it to the last Sunday of the year 2018. Unworthy as we are, God's grace has kept us till now. May the name of the Lord be blessed both now and forever. Amen.
Today is a Sunday we celebrate the Holy Family of Nazareth, the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. On a day like this, we do not only celebrate them, we are also called to model our families after that of the Holy family of Nazareth. In them, we find a perfect example of what family is all about. Sociologically speaking, family is the nucleus of the human society and it is the place where life and learning begins. It is in the family that morality is first taught and even the church begins from the family.
The importance of today’s celebration both in the life of the church and our society cannot be underestimated. First, it is meant to remind us of the specific and important role of the family as a sacred institution. That is, that the sustenance and subsistence of our society depends on the continuous existence of the family. Secondly, this celebration reminds us of the right constitution of a family. That is, the right and naturally accepted union of a father, mother and their children. Hence, any union (like same sex) other than this in the name of family, is an aberration. It is also against God, who in the beginning made them male and female. He did not take the rib of Adam to create another man for Adam to cohabit with. Instead, he took Adam’s ribs and created a biologically and functionally different human being, woman (Gen 1; 2).
In the first reading from the book of Samuel, the writer emphasized the role of the parents in bringing up their child in the way of the Lord. Hannah made a promise at Shiloh to dedicate her child to the service of the Lord and this, she fulfilled. Parents must learn to show their children the way of the Lord, so that when they grow they will not depart from it. The second reading from the first letter of Saint John reminds us that we belong to God's family as his children and we must ensure that we behave as members of his family by keeping his commandments always. The gospel narrates to us the finding of the child Jesus in the temple where Joseph, Mary and Jesus went to Jerusalem for the feast if the Passover. The bound between them is great that when they noticed Jesus wasn't there, they went back to look for him. Families must look out for each other always and take responsibility for one another.
In the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, there are lots of lessons to be learnt for each member of the family. The father in the house must exhibit these virtues: Firmness in correcting an erring child. Affection to the mother and child. Trusting the mother and child always. Must be honest in his dealings with his wife and children. Exemplary life must always be supreme in his mind. And lastly, the father must be a responsible man.
The mother of the house must exhibit maternal love always. She must show observing concern to both her husband and children. She must be a honest and trustworthy woman. She must have an enduring spirit and must be respectful to her husband.
The child is the symbol of love between the father and mother and as such the child must be caring. The child must always and everytime honour his or her parents. He or she must be loyal and submissive. He or she must be respectful.
What holds families together in times of difficulty is love and trust. Whenever families are happy, it is because love and respect are valued by them. A major threat to family nowadays is if we don’t spend enough time together. We are so busy working, meeting our friends, using our electronic gadgets or watching TV that we never seem to have time to listen to each other.
In conclusion, family is important, let us do well to protect this scared and holy institution founded by God himself. May the Lord bless our families always.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may our families like unto yours. Amen.
Good morning and do have a wonderful and restful Sunday and last Sunday of the year. Avoid anger, forgive anyone who offends you today and be happy. It is the last Sunday of the year. God loves you.
© 2024 - Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan