Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

December 31, 2017.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Readings: Gen. 15:1-6, 21:1-3; Responsorial Psalm PS 105:1-2. 3-4.5-6.8-9;

Heb. 11:8-11.12.17-19 & Gospel Luke 2:22-40.

Theme: The Family Holy Family: A Model for all Christian Families.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today we draw inspiration from the first family which remains a model for all Christian families. Our reflection shall highlight the meaning, types and functions of the family and also state the various challenges confronting the family in our age. Based on the readings, we shall also touch on the obligation of parents to their children and the responsibility of children towards their parents. The pastoral application of the sacred text would follow. The thoughts shared in this homily are from my book “Couple’s clinic: A practical guide on conflict resolution in marriage and the family in the light of effective communication for couples, would-be couples, pastors of souls and marriage counselors” published in 2017 by USCA Prints, Jos.

A Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Gen. 15:1-6, 21:1-3), God fulfilled his promise to Abraham by letting his wife Sarah bear a son in her old age. We are told that because he believed in God, it was reckoned for him as righteousness. In the reading, we not only see how God is faithful to his promises but how he brings smile to a family that is childless. It also reveals that in a family without children, the joy of couples is often incomplete. The attitude of Abraham and Sarah depicts persistence of faith in a God who never fails.

Little wonder in the second reading (Heb. 11:8-11.12.17-19), God praises Abraham for his obedience noting that that was why he received an inheritance. The exciting part of the text is the disclosure that because of the good deeds of one man, humanity was promised descendants as many as the grains of sand on the seashore and the stars of heaven. The reading recalled his readiness to offer his only son Isaac through whom the promises of many descendants was to come to fruition. The writer to the Hebrews stressed that that act meant that Abraham “considered that God was able to raise men even from the dead; hence he did receive him back and this was a symbol.”

Meanwhile, the gospel of Luke (Lk. 2:22-40) discloses the presentation of the Child Jesus in the temple. The appearance of Simeon and Anna the prophetess was in fulfillment of God’s promise about the redemption of Israel as testified by the two holy servants. After doing what the law required, we are told that they returned to Nazareth where the child grew in wisdom and obedience and the Holy Family lived in peace. To put our reflection in perspective, we let us take a look at what constitutes a family, its types and functions.   

Family: Meaning, Types & Functions

In Africa, a family comprises of parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, close and distant relatives and the bonds between two families forged by marriage (Synod of Bishops, 2014, no. 4). As a generic term, a family also means a community of persons in the parish, local diocese or the universal Church. Little wonder, the Second Vatican Council calls the family the Ecclesia domestica that is, the domestic Church (Lumen Gentium, 1964, no. 11) and describes it as a place where parents are “by word and example... the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1997, no. 1656).

Traditionally, there are two types of family: Nuclear family and extended family. a). A nuclear family is made up of father, mother and children living together. Being the most traditional form of family, it is seen as an ideal system in which children are raised; b). An extended family is seen as a joint family of father, mother, daughters, sons, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews living together (National Catechetical Week Programme, 2016, p.11).

The Christian family is the first community called to announce the Gospel to the human person while growing and to bring him or her through progressive education and catechesis to full human and Christian maturity (Familiaris Consortio, 1981, no. 2). As it were, the Church should be guided by a profound understanding of the inexhaustible mystery of marriage and the family (Familiaris Consortio cited in Amoris Laetitia, 2016, no.31). “Families at their best actively communicate by their witness the beauty and the richness of the relationship between man and woman, and between parents and children” (Pope Francis’ 49^th World Communications Day Message, 2015). To this end, Pope Saint John Paul II outlines the fourfold functions of the family as: a). Forming a community of persons; b). Serving life; c). Participation in the development of society, and d). Sharing in the life and mission of the Church (Familiaris Consortio, 1981, no.17).

Challenges Confronting the Family in Contemporary Society

i. Danger of troubling individualism: There is a growing danger of troubling individualism which deforms family bonds and ends up making each component of the family as an isolated unit, leading, in some cases, to the idea that a person is formed according to his own desires, which are considered absolute.

ii. Crisis of faith: There is also the crisis of faith among a great number of Catholics which often underlies the crisis in marriage and the family. This has led many Catholics out of the Church.

iii. The Challenge of loneliness: Many people are suffering from loneliness which arises from the absence of God in their lives leading to the fragility of relationships.

iv. Poverty and unemployment: There is also increasing instances of poverty and unemployment in the workplace as well as the real nightmare of overwhelming financial difficulties which discourage the young from marrying. This creates a general feeling of powerlessness in the face of socio-cultural realities that oftentimes end in crushing families.

v. Lack of attention by Government and Institutions: The lack of attention by government and institutions has made most families to feel abandoned as they find it difficult to raise children or take care of aged people who are now seen as a burden. Most times, these affect people’s emotional balance, which can lead to violence (Synod of Bishops, 2014, no. 5).

vi. The Challenge of Polygamy: The challenge of polygamy and “arranged marriages” as socio-cultural and religious realities also constitute a major source of conflicts among couples and families in our society.

vii. Difficulties with mixed and interreligious marriages: Many mixed and interreligious marriages with their inherent difficulties in terms of jurisprudence, baptism, the upbringing of children and mutual respect with regards to differences in faith in countries where Catholics are not many, also breeds conflict since these marriages give rise to relativism, indifference or quarrels between couples.

viii. Challenges of Cohabitation and Civil Legislation: Other such perceived situations of conflict are, the practice of cohabitation before marriage or simply cohabitating with no intention of a legally binding relationship. There is also the practice of civil legislation which compromises marriage and the family as well as the danger of secularization which makes little or no reference to God, thus diminishing the faith (Synod of Bishops, 2014, no. 6).

ix. “Illegitimate” Children: The growing culture of giving birth to children outside wedlock, occasioned by single parenthood, creates a situation where many of these kids grow up with just one of their parents in a blended or reconstituted family. This is another area of conflict in marriages.

x. Increasing Cases of Divorce: The increasing cases of divorce mostly because of economic reasons are a cankerworm. Oftentimes, children are a source of contention between parents and become the real victims of family break-ups (Synod of Bishops, 2014, no. 7).

xi. Discrimination and violence Against Women and Children: In many places today, women and children (often female) are a source of discrimination, violence and exploitation. In such places, the gift of motherhood is often penalized rather than esteemed. Within families, there is widespread practice of genital mutilation in some cultures. The sexual exploitation of children is still another scandalous and perverse reality in present-day society.

xii. Increasing Cases of Terrorism and Organised Crime: Societies experiencing violence due to war, terrorism or the presence of organized crime are witnessing the deterioration of the family, above all in big cities, where, in their peripheral areas, the so-called phenomenon of “street-children” is on the rise. Furthermore, migration is another sign of the times to be faced and understood in terms of its onerous consequences to family life (Synod of Bishops, 2014, no. 7).  The sad reality of over 3,000,000 Internally Displaced People (IDPs), in North-Eastern Nigeria who have been driven out of their homes by the Boko Haram insurgency and are living in camps with little or no food, water, medical care, clothing and shelter comes to mind here. 

Pastoral Lessons

1. As members of our various families and the family of God, we are called upon to emulate the positive attitude of Abraham and Sarah by being persistent in faith knowing that God never fails.

2. The solemnity of the Holy Family affords us the opportunity to pray for couples who are mocked and humiliated because of childlessness urging them to use the example of Abraham and Sarah as a motivation.

3. Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac, the only source of the fulfillment of his promises demonstrates to us that all that we have and are comes from God and unless we let go, God would not bless us.

4.  The appearance of Simeon and Anna during the presentation of Jesus in the temple not only shows that God is faithful to his elect but reveals that he is never late in fulfilling his promises to those who wait on him.

5. We must learn to pay attention to the prophecy of Simeon regarding Jesus being the cause of the rising and falling of many in Israel and a sword which will piece Mary’s heart so as carry our crosses daily to follow Jesus.

6. Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, we must learn to bear the challenges we face in our families by pondering them in our hearts and seeking for God’s will.

7. The piety of Simeon and the prayer, fasting and presence of Anna in the temple day and night tells us how old age should be celebrated – Those who are well on in years must learn how to use the last moments of their lives in the service of God so that at their funeral, the preacher would not lie.

8.While we pray for widows and widowers at this Holy Mass, we urge women who have lost their husbands to emulate the prophetess Anna by not grieving their loss eternally but taking to useful ventures so as to cater for their children – The Church too must live up to its responsibility of taking care of widows and orphans.

9. While parents are urged to renew their commitment towards providing food, shelter, clothing and education (both civic and religious) for their children, children too are charged to obey their parents.

10. This celebration calls for renewal of marital vows between couples who are wedded in the Church and conversion for those who have not yet solemnized theirs to seek the sacrament of holy matrimony without much delay.

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. The attitude of Abraham and Sarah depicts persistence of faith in a God who never fails.

2. The appearance of Simeon and Anna the prophetess was in fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption to Israel.

3. The growing danger of troubling individualism deforms family bonds.

4. Crisis of faith underlies various crises in marriage and the family today.

5. Societies experiencing violence due to war, terrorism or the presence of organized crime are witnessing deterioration of family life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the solemnity of the Holy Family presents us with an opportunity to tackle the challenges which constantly stare the sacred institution of marriage as well as the family in the face. Since many marriages and families are battling for survival in the murky waters of life, we pray for couples so that the spirit of God will help them to embrace children lovingly from God and also cater for them - That way, the miniature church which is the family would supply the local and universal Church with priests, religious and laity who are well formed. Happy Sunday!