Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Lectionary: 17

…his mother kept all these things in her heart.

Four times in Saint Luke’s story of Mary we hear of her practice of reflection: 

1. “Mary was deeply troubled and wondered what (Gabriel’s) message meant.”  
2. Her hurried trip to Jerusalem may also be translated as “she traveled thoughtfully.” 
3. And then we learn "All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." 
4. Finally, we hear again of her keeping all these things in her heart, as the boy grew in wisdom and grace.

In 21st century America, parents are not expected to be contemplative or meditative. Pondering is not on the job description. Parents are often too busy with the responsibilities of their own career, parenting their children, and caring for elderly parents and grandparents. Some even dare to “get a life” aside from all that.

But I hear the lament about that lack of contemplation. There is a country western song about the fellow who realizes he has neglected his son as his father neglected him. 

Grandparents tell me they enjoy the the opportunity of watching their grandchildren grow, a pleasure they missed with their own children. Teachers also speak of the joy of watching young minds blossom between September and June – a flowering the children’s parents never notice.

On this feast of the Holy Family, as the year comes to an end, we should resolve to notice, enjoy, contemplate and thank God for the beauty of human life, especially as we see its development in our children. They will not always be children but, if we practice our faith well, they will always be beautiful.