I find it beautiful that when the Son of God had chosen to come into the world, he had come in the context of a family. The salvation of the world begins first in a humble family.
One might think that since Jesus was born into the “Holy Family” that everything would be perfect, beautiful and without troubles. While this family was full of love, the evangelists Matthew and Luke, however, paint a picture of uncertainty, fear and misunderstandings in Jesus’ early years. I begin with Joseph’s reception of the news of Mary’s pregnancy: he was shocked, confused, and had wanted to divorce Mary quietly.
Joseph trusted in God and took Mary in as his wife. Eventually, this fledgling family was uprooted from its hometown and forced to go to Bethlehem to register for the census. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, the Holy Family is suddenly without shelter as Mary is ready to give birth. Mary and Joseph would find shelter among the animals where Jesus was laid in a manger after his birth.
Also, imagine the terror that Joseph felt when he was told by the angel that Herod wished to kill the child. Suddenly the Holy Family had to flee, becoming refugees in a land of asylum — Egypt. Imagine, too, the horror that struck upon hearing that, during Herod’s search for Jesus, other male toddlers were massacred.
I speculate that, as Jesus had become older, Mary and Joseph had described to him these difficult childhood stories. Perhaps these stories instilled in Jesus a deep compassion for the homeless, the refugees, and the innocent and weak who are threatened in this cruel world. Perhaps these stories influenced Jesus’ teachings in which the least and the marginalized are the center and focus and of Christian love and service.
The picture of the Holy Family by the evangelists is not one of stability, tranquility and a life without challenges. They portray Joseph and Mary facing each challenge together with trust in God.
As we celebrate Christmas 2020, many families, like the Holy Family, are experiencing anxiety and challenges. They worry about health, food insecurity, lack of work, and the possibility of being put out on the street. The fears are real, especially as Congress is still debating ongoing coronavirus relief. Throughout this pandemic many in our parish have responded to the needs of others as volunteers and as donors. Our food assistance programs are robust, and we are ready to assist families in need. We are collaborating with other organizations to overcome food insecurity, provide shelter, and to help families pay their bills and remain at home.
When this pandemic began, I was very worried about resources. Yet, our parishioners and others with us have responded courageously. We have chosen the way of Christian love and service and our heavenly Father has provided for our needs. Perhaps this is Christmas — not only in December, but throughout the year.
Father Matthew R. Weber is pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Bridgeton.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
