Celebrating the Holy Family

Why did it all have to happen like this? Most of you are more than likely familiar with the questions of “why” or “why-moments.” They are those pivotal or reflective instances when we ask ourselves why something is happening.

Why is this happening to me? Why did my child, my partner, parent, sister or brother, my best friend, have to die?

These “why-questions” strike at the heart of our pain. There is no quick answer that can truly address the depth of such suffering. But as rational human beings, we spend our lives searching and wrestling for meaningful answers to life’s great mysteries.

Celebrating the Mysteries of God

I believe that, many if not all of the great Christian celebrations are connected with deep “why-questions.” Like for example, the Feast of Christmas.

Why would the Almighty and eternal God choose to become a vulnerable child, born into such humble and impoverished circumstances? In Jesus’ time, this question was too difficult for most people to comprehend. As a result, most of them simply rejected Jesus.

On the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, we have the great advantage of hindsight. Looking back, we can uncover meaning and answers to this “why” question of God’s incarnation. And yet even today, we can still marvel at the mystery of God becoming man and, through faith and hope, we can trust in His love for us. These “why-questions” in the context of religion, culture and philosophy have always been and will continue be, immensely important.

The Twelve-Year Old Jesus

“Why have you done this to us?” This is what Mary asks her lost son after she and Joseph had been searching for him for three agonising days. Behind her worried question lies a mother’s intuition. She senses the divine mystery of her son, even if she cannot fully comprehend it at the time. It is only in hindsight, that is, after the events of Easter, that Mary’s “why-question” was likely transformed into a joyful “therefore”.

Love That Can Endure Mysteries

Friends, Mary and Joseph inspire us in how to navigate life with the “why-questions”. Even their family life was marked by the shadow of a mysterious “must”, a divine must mission that overshadowed their lives. It surely brought tears, questions, and struggles. But they embraced these challenges, living faithfully with the “why” and the “must.” For me, this is the source of their greatness, their sanctity, and their blessedness.

I am firmly convinced that Mary and Joseph were able to walk this parental path of “why” and “must” because of their deep love for God and for each other. For this reason, they serve as a timeless model and source of support for parents today. They remind us that every child is created by God with a distinct identity, destiny and role to fulfil in the world.

Each child carries the “must” of their own unique life journey, which may not always meet parental expectations or be immediately understood. Years later, Jesus “must” follow his path. He would leave his family and embark on his divine, earthy mission as the friend, savior and redeemer of humanity on the cross. But as a child, also Jesus had to learn to obey his parents.

All of us were once a child, full of curiosity and eager to ask the “why" and “must” questions. Why must I obey my parents?”

I remember that as a child I did not always want to obey. But looking back, in hindsight, I realize that the decisions and advice of my parents and other adults were helpful and wise.

Connecting the Generations

This is what is known as the intergenerational contract. It is a shared commitment to building a caring and supportive relationship between generations. Hardships and challenges are an inevitable part of life, even when parents and children strive to understand the “why” and “must” in each other’s lives. Yet, I am convinced, that in hindsight, these “why-questions” and “must” moments will transform into a wondrous “therefore.”

Trusting in God’s Guidance

On this Feast of the Holy Family, let us pray for the strength and perseverance to trust in God’s mysterious guidance until the “therefore” becomes visible, both in our personal lives and in our communities.

May we also ask for God’s abundant blessings for all families and communities across every generation.

Praised be Jesus Christ.