We Are God's Children Now December 31

Sunday within the Octave of Christmas, The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

By Beth De Cristofaro

“…kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins—a house raised in justice to you” (Sirach 3:14)

“Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another” (Col 3:12-13)

Piety

Joseph, earthly father to the Son of God, be my model of courage when my desire to follow Jesus calls for me to go against the cultural grain. Mary, Mother most Holy, be my model of love too deep for words which kept you at the foot of the cross, not understanding perhaps, but realizing that the promise of your ancestors would be fulfilled and the world renewed despite your bleeding heart. Jesus, my brother, be my model of fidelity as I struggle to know and do the will of our Father, just as you did every day of your human life. Help me, Holy Family, to realize that rather than wanting more in my life, I want only God. Amen

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/123106.shtml

How many “yes’s” did it take for God to become human and dwell among us? And how many “yes’s” does God give to us – despite our many “no’s” or “maybe’s”. These readings resound with God bestowing hope, joy, promise, expectation and over-abundance to those who say “yes.” To “those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways” (Ps 128:1)

Mary’s Infinite “yes” and Joseph’s quiet, resigned “yes” gave the infant a human family. These “yes’s” assured that he would be wrapped in comfortable, sustaining mortal love which is vital to the well-being of any human baby. Jesus’ Divine Father gave his beloved son what is most important for a human life.

Sirach and Paul instruct us to step out of ourselves and put others first as did Mary and Joseph. Fidelity to parents is a high virtue. Paul declares that those who would follow Jesus must answer a call for fidelity to others. The family has expanded.

Mary and Joseph did not always understand: “ ‘Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he said to them.” (Luke 2:49-50). But a committed “yes” does not depend on understanding. A committed “yes” comes from love, trust and being: “and his mother kept all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51). How much of life do we understand? Yet how precious is life.

Action

Think of each “yes” we say during liturgy or prayer with our “Amen”. From where does this come? Rote memory? Unconscious reaction? A comfortable ending that makes prayer right? Our thought that prayer is a good idea? Our hearts, cleaving to the only answer which the core of our being can possibly give?

Where in your life does your “yes” play out? Do you keep a “yes” for your earthly family? What about for your heavenly family? Do you need to reconsider your “yes”?

DeColores!