At the beginning of their life as a family and in accord with religious obligation, Joseph and Mary brought the newly-born Jesus to the temple to dedicate him to the Father. Years later, at Nazareth, the three of them would observe religious events together. This practice shows us ”the family that prays together stays together”, a much needed lesson today when family unity is assailed by DEI dictates.
Another lesson in today’s Gospel: Simeon welcomed the Holy family into the temple and announced that Jesus was the Messiah, the Savior. His words call for attention. From the moment of his conception, Jesus was the savior and this he remains for all people. He is the light that leads the way to the truth. What does this mean to me in what I do and say and how I deal with others on a daily basis?
Finally, we recall that shortly after the events described in today’s Gospel, the Holy Family had to take flight to Egypt, through modern day Gaza. How was Joseph to care for his family? He had no job; he didn’t speak the language. And Mary? She had said, “Be it done according to thy word….” But where was that word now under such terrifying circumstances? I shall prayerfully consider these questions asking the Holy Spirit to guide me in my effort to grow in faith and hope.
Resolve: I shall spend some time praying to the Holy Family for families stranded at our border; for families who carry heavy burdens; for children of one-parent families and for a better appreciation of the importance of the family, where love begins. Finally, I shall pray for an increase of faith to be given to struggling families and an increase of charity to those who struggle to believe in God’s providence.