Celebrating 100 over years in Irondequoit
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Cycle B
- B195: The scripture readings today seem to focus on the way to live a virtuous life. Is the intention to call us to imitate that life style?
- Take care of your father.
- Q508: Families are a place where “holiness” is allowed to grow in a loving environment. How would today’s gospel apply that reality to us?
B195: The scripture readings today seem to focus on the way to live a virtuous life. Is the intention to call us to imitate that life style?
As you face East towards the altar inside our Church, you see the statue on your left honoring Mary for her humble and trusting "Yes" that launched the Incarnation. On your right you see the statue honoring Joseph for his silent but important role in salvation history. Right in the middle as a backdrop to the altar is the sign of our salvation, the large life-size crucifix of Jesus. The crucifix and the altar dominate the sanctuary, and our full attention is riveted by the awesome implications of this sacrifice. The adult life, death and resurrection of Jesus rightly deserves our full attention and meditation.
But on this one Sunday honoring the Holy Family, we receive the benefit of the Church's teaching about the wonderful dignity of all life and of solid family values, exemplified by the "hidden life" at Nazareth. This is what Pope Paul VI called the "school of Nazareth" where the Holy Family gives dignity to an attitude of loving silence, to work, and to the values of family life. This is captured beautifully in the lovely sculpture in "The Family Room" on your right as you enter the Church.
Our First Reading (Sirach 3) speaks lovingly of the honor and obedience due to father and mother in this loving family environment. The Gospel (Luke 2:22-40) shows the Holy Family giving first place to God, and complying with the requirements of religious laws. It is very striking that Mary would be given such a prominent and public place in scripture in the very patriarchal society of those times. The Responsorial (Psalm 128:1-5) and the Second Reading (Col 3:12-21) provide guidance on how to live those family values. Yes, we are called to imitate Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Know Your Catechism! God arranged the Ten Commandments in their order of importance, willing that right after him, we should honor our parents (CCC #2197) and fulfill our duties to anyone placed in authority over us (#2198-99). Our Christian families are a special sign and image of the communion within the Holy Trinity itself (#2205). Family is the privileged community where we learn moral values, begin to honor God, and make good use of our freedom (#2206-08).
Back in the 1860's the children of Edmond Dwyer of County Limerick came to the United States to live. They sent back a portion of their earnings to support their "Da," but it was not very much and it did not always reach him regularly.
In June, 1870 Edmond wrote to his son, Tom, in Corning telling him that he had been ill and was out of funds. He had written him earlier for help but had received no answer thus far.
"I am very angry with you," said the old man, "for not sending me the money. I suppose you are going to close upon it and let me live on the pension as it falls due, after mention to me that you would send it me according as I might want it. Now I want it badly and never wanted it more, as I want to buy a bed and clothes. I bought none for the last seven years but shoes and a hat. The hat cost me only six shillings, but getting them from friends. This is the last time I will write you to send me ten pound, and if not I will curse you while I live and getting in the poor house and die there!"
A strong Irish threat to a (supposedly) selfish son! Despite the threat, Edmond signed the letter: "I am yours truly and affectionate, Father, Edmond Dwyer." As Holy Family Sunday should remind us, "Blood is thicker than water."
"... My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fails, be considerate with him." (Sirach, 3:12-13. Today's first reading.)
-Father Robert F. McNamara
Q508: Families are a place where “holiness” is allowed to grow in a loving environment. How would today’s gospel apply that reality to us?
Today’s gospel (Luke 2:22-40) focuses on the Holy Family and their encounter with two holy lay people, Simeon and Anna, who were “awaiting the redemption of Israel.” It is clear that they were steeped in the tradition of the Mosaic Law, especially the prophets. So they would have been raised and instructed in that tradition as young people, deepening their anticipation as they grew older and wiser. In turn, they would have passed on the stories within that tradition, all which pointed to a Messiah who would come and redeem Israel.
All of the old testament stories and prophecies pointed forward to their fulfillment in the one to come, the Messiah. You and I now have the benefit of hindsight, and the gift of faith. We know that fulfillment came in the person of Jesus the Christ, who by his life, death and resurrection redeemed the entire world. We now have our own Tradition, centered on Jesus.
Consider yourself to be a Simeon or an Anna. To whom do you pass on the stories of fulfillment in and through Jesus Christ? Who will inherit a deeper understanding of our Tradition because of your efforts? Do you ever share the fascinating stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and the prophets, teaching your children and grandchildren how the promises made to them were fulfilled in Jesus Christ? Do your children and grandchildren really understand what Joseph and Mary were doing in the temple in today’s story?
One of the easiest yet greatest things we can do is to become good story-tellers, passing on our scriptural faith foundation and thereby bringing others closer to Christ. Become a channel of wisdom, and help others grow in wisdom before God.
KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! The sword of sorrow predicted for Mary announces Christ’s perfect and unique oblation on the cross that will impart the salvation God had promised (CCC #529). All of us are called to holiness, and to imitate the lives of the saints who can intercede for us (CCC #2013).
