December 27, 2009 SOLEMNITY OF THE HOLY FAMILY
27 DECEMBER 2009, 5:15, 8:00, 10:30
READINGS: I Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24;Luke 2:41-52
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: During the season of Christmas, we recognize not just the birth of Jesus, but we also recognize that Jesus was born into a family.
1. One of the greatest themes of world literature is the Quest, seeking what is lost or distant. Sir Galahad has a quest for the Holy Grail, the cup of Jesus at the Last Supper. The love of the quest also takes root in explorers like Columbus or Magellan as they search distant lands. Some scholars undertake a quest for new scientific elements, new mysteries. From time to time we all undertake to search for something, something more than lost keys. We search for meaning in life. Today’s gospel tells the story of the quest undertaken by Mary and Joseph. But their search is for the ultimate Truth. They are looking, desperately, for their son, Jesus. They find him, of course, where he was always meant to be – and where endless generations of believers have sought him as well: in his “Father’s house.” The truly Christian heart, the Christian family, searches daily for Jesus. If we search intently, we will find him in our neighbor’s face, in the shadows of illness, in the fun of a circus. But, here is where we meet him best of all, in his Father’s house, in the Church, at Eucharist. May we always undertake this quest sincerely!
2. Saint Paul speaks so eloquently about the virtues expected of those who live in this House (the Church). “Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you. Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect.” It is a wonderful display of virtue that he asks of us. Sometimes in a family these virtues are displayed so subtly, yet they do not go unnoticed. Listen to this bit of poetry.
“When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake just for me, and I knew that little things are special things. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I felt you kiss me good night, and I felt loved. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s alright to cry. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked… and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”
3. Our eyes are fixed on the object of our quest, Jesus the Lord. On our journey, our quest, we watch attentively for his face in those around us. We find him even when people think we aren’t watching. This is so because Grace is everywhere. God’s love and grace permeate the universe.
Conclusion: We journey through history with our family members. Together may we find, wherever we search, the same Ultimate Truth that Joseph and Mary found, Jesus the Lord!