Sunday Homily - a Holy Family

Idolatry, it means to make something an absolute, when it is not. 

Over the years I have heard stories from people and from other sources about families broken up. Broken up because one person follows a certain political figure, and another does not.  Broken up because one person believes in one way, and others do not.  Broken up because a child will come out as gay. Broken up because someone wants to marry someone different.   Broken up because of addictions.  Broken up for a whole myriad of reasons; some serious, others not.  Broken up, because people idolize their individual view of how a family is to be. People Idolize egos.

King Herod killed his siblings, his children, his wife; all because of power.  What a family! 

I so love St. Joseph more and more. Here is a man who adapts. Here is a person who flexes. Here is a person who sees beyond himself to the needs of his family and love.  He allows God to change his understanding of family and he accepts Mary and the unborn Christ into his home.  And now, warned of a threat to his family, he gets up and changes his plans again, and again.  What remained central, what remained the absolute in him was his love. He wanted the best for his wife, for his child, for his God. So he allowed himself to change, so that this love will be made real.

What lessons Jesus must have learned from him.
by Christopher Santer...Pacem Studios  http://pacemstudio.com/portfolio/st-joseph-and-jesus/
Jesus too was adaptable, flexible and dynamic. He changed so as to care for and protect the needs of the people. He went to the homes of gentiles. He touched the untouchables. He forgave those perceived as unforgivable.  He preached of communion, community, unity, respect, mercy.  He enlightened those in darkness, he opened the minds of idolators.  He spoke to those who dreamed of knowing they too were lovable, regardless of the conditions of their lives.

Isn’t that supposed to be us too, as the Body of Christ, as Church, as family?

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