Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

 Lectionary: 17

When a Sunday does not occur between December 25 and January 1, this feast is celebrated on December 30 with only one reading before the Gospel.

...And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Our annual celebration of the Holy Family begins with an appreciation of God's humility. Our Lord came to Mary and Joseph in utterly naive innocence, with neither ability nor power to save himself from cold, hunger, or enemies. Saint Luke describes God's helplessness as he is bundled in swaddling clothes; Saint Matthew recalls his rescue from Herod's rampaging soldiers. Parents of every sort, whether human or alligator, defend their children fiercely. And, despite his authority over heaven and earth, the Lord needed the instinctive help parents give their children.

Today's alternate first reading, taken from Saint Paul's Letter to the Colossians, concerns the Church, and only secondarily the biological family. 

It is worth remembering that the peace of Christ begins in our knowledge of Christ. A group of people, whether biological or ecclesial, that does not know Christ might not enjoy much peace. Afflicted as we are, we often bring to our gatherings a history of misunderstandings, misgivings, and distrust. Even lost sailors and confused hikers, upon being rescued, might discover they're not half as safe among strangers as they had hoped and expected. Only the blessed can keep in the forepart of their minds the mystical awareness of God's gracious mercy.  

Within the Church, we often call one another brother and sister; our priests and elders might be called father or mother. The words are familial and suggest the characteristic affection of a biological family of parents and children. But they might also work in the opposite direction, encouraging biological kin to regard one another with the kindness that is typical of the Blessed.

My mother recalled a moment when I was apparently old enough to do some mischief while, perhaps, innocent enough not to know its consequences. As she was about to apply a bit of salutary discipline to my physical self, I pointed at the crucifix and said, "Jesus!" Charmed by my discovery, she relented and forgave the grievance on that occasion. 

We learn to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. That's why every altar in every church and the walls of our homes are marked with crosses. He is our privilege, our delight, and our peace.