The Blessing of a Family

12-30-2018Pastoral ReflectionsFr. Brian F. Manning

This week our scripture passage for the Gospel comes from the special section of Luke’s Gospel called the “infancy narrative” section. This entire part is the first two chapters of Luke. All of these stories that are related by Luke are specially prepared ones. We may think that they are “historical,” but upon reflection, we realize that they are telling in symbolic form some important truths. Luke is not just telling fabulous and heart-warming tales for the sake of telling tales, rather he is actually engaged in a very profound theological reflection on the nature and person of Jesus Christ.

When we stand back at a distance and listen to all of the stories and then ultimately all of Luke’s Gospel, we then realize that these beginning stories are really setting the framework for the great story of Jesus Christ in the Mission of Salvation for all of us. These stories help to nuance the great story of the public ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. These stories begin our engagement and involvement with the inspiring story of Jesus Christ

When we stand back at a distance and listen to all of the stories and then ultimately all of Luke’s Gospel, we then realize that these beginning stories are really setting the framework for the great story of Jesus Christ in the Mission of Salvation for all of us. These stories help to nuance the great story of the public ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. These stories begin our engagement and involvement with the inspiring story of Jesus Christ

In listening to this particular passage and story we learn that the heart of this story is Jesus’ pronouncement that he “had to be” in his Father’s house. Luke uses this special phrase “had to be” as a symbol that expresses a destiny tied irrevocably to God’s saving plan for the world. In the Lucan stories, Jesus reveals his special relationship to God as his Father, a relationship that surpasses any human ties to Mary or Joseph. The fact that Jesus was drawn to the great temple, to his “Father’s house,” carried with it a portentous meaning that will be more fully realized in the Gospel narrative where Luke tells the story of Jesus’ great journey to Jerusalem, the exact place where the events of his paschal mystery are to take place. The identity and mission of Jesus are both foreshadowed in this dramatic scene as he “preaches” in the temple, only to have who he is and what he says met with amazement and astonishment.

“To pivot”: Did you watch that Christmas Class movie this year: It’s a Wonderful Life? Recall the final scene of the movie. All the townspeople are quickly gathering in George Bailey’s living room. They are busy pouring money onto a table, all with the wonderful intention of rescuing George from financial ruin. In addition, it is not too long before George’s brother enters the picture. He heard of George’s hard times and jumped into action. He got on a plane and travelled non-stop to make it to help George. When he arrives, he sees all the people and the mountain of money and then he raises his glass and toasts his brother: “To my brother George, the richest man in the world!”

We all know that family and friends are blessings, but sometimes we forget. This feast day of the Holy Family is to remind us to always try to remember the blessings we have.

New Year’s Thought: We are now on the cusp of another new calendar year. The days, weeks and months certainly do pass so very quickly for each one of us. I hope that during this holyday and holiday season that you have been able to take the time to be with family and friends. The regrets in our lives are not that our house was perfectly decorated for Christmas or that we worked so much to afford everything for everyone, the regrets center on not spending time with our spouse, children, grandchildren, and friends. We can never get the time back that we have given away, so realize these days are truly precious and make time for the people of your heart and lives.

Blessing: To all of you and those close in your heart, I wish a Blessed and Joy-filled New Year. May the grace of God surround you in the days ahead and may you find hope, peace, and strength each day of this coming year.

Father Brian

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