30 December 2022 The Holy Family

For the Lord honours a father above his children,
and he confirms a mother’s right over her children.
Those who honour their father atone for sins,
   and those who respect their mother are like those who lay up treasure.

From Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6,12-14,NRSV

On this Feast of the Holy Family, we hear from a book that contained wise sayings on how to live in accordance with the Jewish Law. Although the Scriptures tell us little of the childhood of Jesus, it is clear that he was brought up to know and to observe the Jewish Law and likely that he would have known these wise sayings recorded in the Book of Ecclesiasticus. The purpose of these sayings was to show people how to behave in order to stay close to God. For the author, the Law was not a just a set of rules but a gift from a loving God who wanted people to live fulfilling lives. Through the guidance and love of Mary and Joseph, Jesus – fully human as well as fully divine – learned to follow the same laws as all other children.

• • Was it important for Jesus to be taught the laws of the religion of his birth?
  • What are the “rules” that help families to be places of love and nurture for all members?

Pray for all families – perhaps especially at this time for those who are separated from their families for whatever reason and for those who have no family.