Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
We Are Family
How is your family? I often both ask and get asked. Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Family provide countless experiences of “family.” Some are joyous and filled with surprise announcements. Some are visits that we dread—family members ask inappropriate questions, start political or ideological fights, and spread gossip. Some are glorious reunions. Some are experiences of drifting apart. Some are missing loved ones who have joined a heavenly family. Family can be messy and complicated! Family can also be a blessing! Family can mean support and understanding, unconditional love and respect, encouragement, and inspiration.
Perhaps living in anxiety and struggle with COVID, we have experienced new calls to expand our concept of “family” and what it means to be “children of God.” Perhaps we have become more aware of how the experience of “being lost” feels? In the Temple, Jesus was drawn to those from whom he could learn and grow, even when his actions separated him from Mary and Joseph and caused great anxiety. He confounded his teachers in the Temple with questions and answers.
I had wise aunties who often ended difficult conversations about family members with “Just remember, no matter what, we are family!” I am grateful for that wisdom and understanding that focus on right relationships that they instilled in me. Life as a family can be very complicated. Still, we are family!
This Christmas, I am grateful for all that has been “born” in me—new awareness of how we are called to love and care for all the “children of God.” No exceptions! I have asked questions and learned from others. I have listened for understanding and not to convince others to think as I do. I have spent time with my brothers and sisters from all over the city of San Antonio, not just on my side of town, in efforts to make our city better, to improve the lives of those who are lost to the systems. I have new sisters and brothers! My family has changed and my family has grown.