We have a lot of problems in our world in this Christmas season: North Korea hack attacks, New York police and violent demonstrators, Middle East tensions, and perhaps in your family as well.
The Holy Family of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus also lived in a time of great unrest, upheaval, violence, and anxiety. Yet they were at peace. What was their secret?
The Holy Family reminds us of how we already know how problems are solved when brothers and sisters fight amongst themselves. They look above to their parents to fix things. For example, children cry out to their parents, “Make him stop hitting me!” They know they cannot find justice and peace at their own level. Children look for that higher authority to bring relief.
Mary and Joseph knew just where to look as well, to God above, but they also knew that God had sent His own Son to be with them, and all of us, into their family. They looked to Jesus for answers. Let us join them as they look to Jesus for the justice and peace we all want now.
Jesus grew up in a world of harsh Roman Army occupation. Yet He showed us the way to go forward in peace. We can summarize the advice He might give us today.
Tell the truth. If you are a witness to any event, whether in Ferguson with Michael Brown, or Staten Island with Eric Garner, or New York with the two policemen deaths, or with North Koreans who suffer under a cruel regime, or in your own family events, just tell the truth. Don’t shade things to advance a political or personal agenda.
Be humble. Don’t jump to conclusions. Recognize that it is difficult to know all the facts in confusing situations. Let the justice system work things out.
I am glad that Jesus arrived as a little child, since it is little children that get the most attention. I see this all the time when babies are born. We are naturally drawn to them precisely because of their vulnerability and innocence. Perhaps it is no accident that God chooses to make His human presence known here precisely as a little child, so that perhaps we might pay special attention to Him. He knows what to do in difficult situations.
Like Mary and Joseph, let us simply choose to just focus on Jesus from now on. He has the words of eternal life, and the way forward to peace and justice. He is the only way we will have a Merry Christmas!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Image: Public domain work of art.
Words of Wisdom.. Thank you as always, and wishing you a very Happy Christmas.
God bless,
Jeanie
Thank you!
Very well said, your words always inspire me.
Christmas Blessings!
Rick
Thank you!
Well said. Merry Christmas to you and make next year the best it can be.
Judy & Roger
Happy New Year
Fr Dave, thanks for this article. Tell the truth and be humble; simple yet profound.
Merry Christmas,
Helen
Well said!
Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year!
Happy New Year!
A blessed, happy and holy Christmas and peace through the new year. Your observations are alway succint, right to the point. It takes wisdom to accept humility and look to the Lord. We miss your presence greatly, wishing that our new shepherds had your abilities to proclaim the Kingdom.
Love,
Gino and Della.
You are most welcome!
Father Dave, your words are always on target, the truth is the best way to go although some of us humans do not want always want to hear the truth, whatever the truth may be at the time.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you for your commentaries, Father Dave; Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
“Just tell the truth.” and….”Don’t jump to conclusions.” Simple yet profound. What a different world it would be!
Have the most blessed Christmas ever ….. see you soon!
Larry,
Just finished reading your Christmas Homily on the Holy Family and your words immediately transport us into a place of peace and hope. Truly, Holy Spirit inspired. Thank you so much! Have a Blessed and Joyous Christmas.
Blessings,
Yolanda
Thank you Fr. Dave for your wonderful reflections and thought -provoking questions. We thank you
for taking the time out to bring your perspective to us. We miss that at St. Paschal.
We wish you a Joyful and Peaceful Christmas Season
Thank you Father Dave…
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year…
God Bless…
Mary Tesoro…
Fr. Dave
Thank you for these words and your words in Bethlehem. I will be reflecting on them this evening at Midnight Mass. Have a merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Warmly,
Kathy
Thank you!
You never need lots of words to get to a profound point, Father Dave. It’s easy to remember what you say. Speak the truth doesn’t need many words. To be humble is the first step to all virtue.
Thanks Father Dave – great meditations for this season and the coming year.
Blessings to you!
Georgette Bremer
Thank you!
Quoting your article: “They look above to their parents to fix things. For example, children cry out to their parents, “Make him stop hitting me!” They know they cannot find justice and peace at their own level. Children look for that higher authority to bring relief.”
Talk about connecting faith with real life… Once something like is is pointed out, it seems so simple that we think, “why didn’t I think of this?” That’s why I look so forward to reading your reflections, Fr. Heney.
You are welcome!
Dear Father Dave
I hope you had a blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year with your family.
As always you make it so real and welcoming when you talk about our Lord and the Holy Family
Beautiful message to live by.
God Bless
Verna
You are welcome!