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Deacon Tom writes ©
Family Life or Family Strife?
You can’t expect to be on a championship team if you
aren’t willing to give it all you’ve got… and then some! Anyone who has played sports or
attended their kids’ practices knows the coaches’ constant demand for 100% from
each player. Those who want to win bad enough do everything within their power
to increase their performance so they can achieve their goal. Our human nature
is such that we will do whatever it takes to get what we want once we want it
bad enough.
St Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, one of the
optional readings for today’s feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and
Joseph, envisions a quality of life
so desirous that we are willing to sacrifice a great deal to attain it. St.
Paul is giving us incredible insight on how to live wholesome, faith-filled
lives rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that we can succeed at having lives
that yield peace, thankfulness, gratitude, and harmony for ourselves and those
with whom we share our lives, hopefully starting within our own families.
Paul is creating within us the desire to be God’s family. He is giving us a clear image of what it
is like to accept this generous invitation. In a world that was brutal,
suspicious, violent, insensitive, uncaring, Paul offers a vision of hope that
flows from our identity as being a part of God’s family. He says, “Put on… heartfelt compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness, and patience…” In addition, we must bear with one
another…forgive one another…settle disputes justly so that “the peace of Christ control(s) your heart”. What an alternative
vision compared to the harsh reality the Colossians’ day-to-day experience. Is
it any wonder why Christianity grew so rapidly in those early days?
“I have set
before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that
you and your descendants may live,” we read in Deuteronomy 30:19. The life that we are
called to imitate is modeled on the life of the Holy Family. Within the
structure of that family Jesus came to know and experience the love of a mother
and of a father. That is where Jesus came to know of God’s love for Him. Amid
the day-to-day life of the Holy Family, Jesus’ conscience was formed, His love
and dependency on God fashioned, His love for God’s Holy People realized. In
the safety and security of the Holy Family, Jesus was able to discern the
Father’s call.
As we celebrate this Feast of the Holy Family, let
us strive to create an environment for our children and for one another that is
healthy, safe, loving, respectful, joy-filled, generous, and full of laughter. Let
us give our children and one another the space and atmosphere where we can all
come to know God’s love, hear His call, and grow together as His children,
members of God’s Holy Family, so that the peace of Christ controls our hearts.
Wishing you a most joyous and peace-filled New Year!
Deacon Tom
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