Faith and Happiness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the Holy Family as we work to address our responsibilities and celebrate our connection to our family guided by the Holy Spirit.

Happy Family Celebration

The reading from the Book of Sirach highlights our responsibilities to Parents.

* [3:1–16] Besides the virtues that must characterize our conduct toward God, special duties are enjoined, such as honor and respect toward parents, with corresponding blessings (vv. 1–9). By showing such respect especially to old and infirm parents (vv. 10–13), the sins of children are pardoned (vv. 14–15). Failure to honor father and mother is blasphemy and merits a curse from God (v. 16). Cf. Ex 20:12; Eph 6:2–3. (Sirach, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 128 praises the Happy Home of the Faithful.

* [Psalm 128] A statement that the ever-reliable God will bless the reverent (Ps 128:1). God’s blessing is concrete: satisfaction and prosperity, a fertile spouse and abundant children (Ps 128:2–4). The perspective is that of the adult male, ordinarily the ruler and representative of the household to the community. The last verses extend the blessing to all the people for generations to come (Ps 128:5–6). (Psalms, PSALM 128 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Colossians urges us to be thankful for rules for Christian Households.

* [3:5–17] In lieu of false asceticism and superstitious festivals, the apostle reminds the Colossians of the moral life that is to characterize their response to God through Christ. He urges their participation in the liturgical hymns and prayers that center upon God’s plan of salvation in Christ (Col 3:16). (Colossians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke describes the Boy Jesus in the Temple.

* [2:41–52] This story’s concern with an incident from Jesus’ youth is unique in the canonical gospel tradition. It presents Jesus in the role of the faithful Jewish boy, raised in the traditions of Israel, and fulfilling all that the law requires. With this episode, the infancy narrative ends just as it began, in the setting of the Jerusalem temple.

* [2:49] I must be in my Father’s house: this phrase can also be translated, “I must be about my Father’s work.” In either translation, Jesus refers to God as his Father. His divine sonship, and his obedience to his heavenly Father’s will, take precedence over his ties to his family. (Luke, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Maureen McCann Waldron comments that unfortunately, we are not flawless.  All of us can be impatient, rude and unloving when we are not at our best – and we are not at our best every moment of every day.

Today, in St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, he seems to be well aware of the reality of human nature.  His words work well for the holidays – as well as the rest of the year.  Paul suggests that we focus on, “put on,” virtues that will help us get along with others.

As holy and beloved children of God, Paul calls us to “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”  Wouldn’t every one of our family gatherings be better if we each put on those virtues?

Paul’s list of qualities ends with, “over all of these, put on love.”  We can ask God, beg God, to give us the strength and gentleness we need to forgive so we can love each other more fully.

The Christmas season continues for two more weeks.  Perhaps as a new practice, we can start each morning with a prayer, asking God for the gentleness and forgiving heart we need to gather with our families. 

Loving God, help me to be more patient.   Help me not to keep score and remember old wrongs that hurt me deeply.  Give me a memory that forgets the injuries and vividly recalls the love I have for each person I will be with today.

Let me forgive as you have forgiven me.  Give me the grace today to love as you love me. (McCann, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus' humility shows us his divinity,” by Bede the Venerable, 672-735 A.D.

The Lord's coming every year to Jerusalem for the Passover with his parents is an indication of his human humility. It is characteristic of human beings to gather to offer God the votive offerings of spiritual sacrifices, and by plentiful prayers and tears to dispose their Maker toward them. Therefore the Lord, born a human being among human beings, did what God, by divine inspiration through his angels, prescribed for human beings to do. He himself kept the law which he gave in order to show us, who are human beings pure and simple, that whatever God orders is to be observed in everything. Let us follow the path of his human way of life. If we take delight in looking upon the glory of his divinity, if we want to dwell in his eternal home in heaven all the days of our lives (Psalm 27:4), it delights us to see the Lord's will and to be shielded by his holy temple. And lest we be forever buffeted by the wind of wickedness, let us remember to frequent the house, the church of the present time, with the requisite offerings of pure petitions." (excerpt from HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 1.19) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 2:41-52 comments on Mary and Joseph that despite their incomplete understanding, they lived faithfully, loved each other patiently, and trusted in God’s plan for their family.

It’s not easy to love and understand the people in your family—and it’s not easy to keep trusting God in the confusing times. But take heart: he is with your family! You have received the same Holy Spirit that lived in Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. That Spirit can give all of you gifts of understanding and love, of patience and forbearance. You may not be the perfect family, but you can become a holy family as you grow “in wisdom and age and favor” (Luke 2:52).

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us!” (Meditation on Luke 2:41-52, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the various choices of readings for today that celebrate family and the virtues of humility, patience, and prayer. Subordination was the normal social pattern of the time. The mutual obligations advocated in the texts were not common in the ancient world. Friar Jude reminds us of the technique of prefiguration in Luke’s Gospel that connects Jesus' separation from His parents to His time in the tomb, separated from His Mother.

Brian McLaren shares the inspiration for the 2025 Daily Meditations theme, Being Salt and Light. The Beatitudes say, We, in this new movement, bless the very people who are usually excluded. Jesus says, In this movement, we bless the poor and the poor in spirit. We bless those who mourn, we bless the meek or gentle, we bless those who hunger and thirst for justice. We bless the merciful and the pure in heart. We bless the peacemakers and those who are persecuted for standing up for justice. And then Jesus continues: We see the world differently because we bless people who are usually forgotten, despised, or excluded. That different way of seeing the world leads to a different way of being in the world. Here are Jesus’ exact words to describe this:

You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under a bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13–16). (McLaren, n.d.)

We express our gratitude for our relationships that have brought us to experience family and seek the guidance of the Spirit as we affirm love, truth, and patience in our actions.

References

Colossians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/3?12 

Luke, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?41 

McCann, M. (2024, December 29). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved December 29, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/122924.html 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Being Salt and Light. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 29, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/being-salt-and-light/ 

Meditation on Luke 2:41-52. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 29, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/12/29/1167669/ 

Psalms, PSALM 128 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/128?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Must Be in My Father's House. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 29, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=dec29 

Sirach, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/3?2 

Family and Faith

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate our understanding of how intimate relationships can build up the people of God through practice of love, truth, and goodness.

children like young olive plants around your table

The reading from the Book of Genesis is set in the Garden of Eden.

* [2:18] Helper suited to him: lit., “a helper in accord with him.” “Helper” need not imply subordination, for God is called a helper (Dt 33:7; Ps 46:2). The language suggests a profound affinity between the man and the woman and a relationship that is supportive and nurturing.

* [2:23] The man recognizes an affinity with the woman God has brought him. Unlike the animals who were made from the ground, she is made from his very self. There is a play on the similar-sounding Hebrew words ’ishsha (“woman,” “wife”) and ’ish (“man,” “husband”).

* [2:24] One body: lit., “one flesh.” The covenant of marriage establishes kinship bonds of the first rank between the partners. (Genesis, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 128 praises the Happy Home of the Faithful.

* [Psalm 128] A statement that the ever-reliable God will bless the reverent (Ps 128:1). God’s blessing is concrete: satisfaction and prosperity, a fertile spouse and abundant children (Ps 128:2–4). The perspective is that of the adult male, ordinarily the ruler and representative of the household to the community. The last verses extend the blessing to all the people for generations to come (Ps 128:5–6). (Psalms, PSALM 128 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews explores Jesus' Exaltation through Abasement.

* [2:5–18] The humanity and the suffering of Jesus do not constitute a valid reason for relinquishing the Christian faith. Ps 8:5–6 is also applied to Jesus in 1 Cor 15:27; Eph 1:22; and probably 1 Pt 3:22. This christological interpretation, therefore, probably reflects a common early Christian tradition, which may have originated in the expression the son of man (Heb 2:6). The psalm contrasts God’s greatness with man’s relative insignificance but also stresses the superiority of man to the rest of creation, of which he is lord. Hebrews applies this christologically: Jesus lived a truly human existence, lower than the angels, in the days of his earthly life, particularly in his suffering and death; now, crowned with glory and honor, he is raised above all creation. The author considers all things as already subject to him because of his exaltation (Heb 2:8–9), though we do not see this yet. The reference to Jesus as leader (Heb 2:10) sounds the first note of an important leitmotif in Hebrews: the journey of the people of God to the sabbath rest (Heb 4:9), the heavenly sanctuary, following Jesus, their “forerunner” (Heb 6:20). It was fitting that God should make him perfect through suffering, consecrated by obedient suffering. Because he is perfected as high priest, Jesus is then able to consecrate his people (Heb 2:11); access to God is made possible by each of these two consecrations. If Jesus is able to help human beings, it is because he has become one of us; we are his “brothers.” (Hebrews, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark, presents Marriage and Divorce and Jesus blesses Little Children.

* [10:2–9] In the dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees on the subject of divorce, Jesus declares that the law of Moses permitted divorce (Dt 24:1) only because of the hardness of your hearts (Mk 10:4–5). In citing Gn 1:27 and 2:24 Jesus proclaims permanence to be the divine intent from the beginning concerning human marriage (Mk 10:6–8). He reaffirms this with the declaration that what God has joined together, no human being must separate (Mk 10:9). See further the notes on Mt 5:31–32; 19:3–9. (Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth comments on what Jesus is telling us in today’s gospel. Accept the kingdom in all its glory with the simplicity of a child. Don’t overthink it and don’t try to control it.

In the end, it’s all about  accepting the kingdom of God as a child who has not yet learned about the need to CONTROL what’s happening or as an older person who no longer can. Both are gifts in their own way. So try to carve out  just a few  minutes to absorb all that God has given us and surrender to a childlike sense of wonder (Wirth, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Mutual servants, equally serving,” by Tertullian, 160-225 A.D.

"Where are we to find language adequately to express the happiness of that marriage which the church cements, the oblation confirms, the benediction signs and seals, the angels celebrate, and the Father holds as approved? For all around the earth young people do not rightly and lawfully wed without their parents' consent. What kind of yoke is that of two believers who share one hope, one desire, one discipline, one service (Ephesians 4:4)? They enjoy kinship in spirit and in flesh. They are mutual servants with no discrepancy of interests. Truly they are 'two in one flesh' (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31). Where the flesh is one, the spirit is one as well. Together they pray, together bow down, together perform their fasts, mutually teaching, mutually entreating, mutually upholding. In the church of God they hold an equal place (Romans 12:15; 15:6; Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:12). They stand equally at the banquet of God, equally in crises, equally facing persecutions, and equally in refreshments. Neither hides anything from the other. Neither neglects the other. Neither is troublesome to the other (Philippians 1:27). (excerpt from TO HIS WIFE 2.8) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 2:18-24 comments that that even after Adam named all the animals, none were found to be “the suitable partner for the man” (Genesis 2:20). That’s because we can only truly have “partnership” with other human beings created in God’s image and likeness. And that communion, like the life of the Trinity, usually involves the giving of ourselves. The Sacrament of Marriage is a powerful sign of that love. But it’s also on display in the relationships between good friends, in volunteers who work together to serve the poor, or in priests or religious sisters and brothers who support one another in the faith.

Even when you feel lonely, know that you’re never alone. The One who made you for something more is always with you. Trust that he will build the communion he desires for you.

“Lord, thank you that you have made me for community, just like you.” (Meditation on Genesis 2:18-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the matriarchal view of the marriage relationship that is indicated by moving into the woman’s home. In Hebrews, Jesus, for a time lower than the angels, is made perfect, or is ordained as high priest, through suffering. The Gospel speaks against divorce and Friar Jude reminds us of the efforts of Pope Francis to develop a pastoral response to people affected by divorce.

The reflection of Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, was not available at publication time.

We have great gratitude for the relationships that build our love for all the people we encounter on our journey.

References

Genesis, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/2?18 

Hebrews, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/2?9 

Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?2 

Meditation on Genesis 2:18-24. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/10/06/1097908/ 

Psalms, PSALM 128 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/128?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). What God Has Joined Together, Let No Man Put Asunder. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=oct6 

Wirth, E. (2024, October 6). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/100624.html