Second Sunday after Christmas, Jan. 2, 2005
Jer. 31:7-14; Psalm 84 or 84:1-8; Eph. 1:3-6,15-19a; Matt. 2:13-15,19-23; or Luke 2:41-52; or Matt. 2:1-12 RCL Readings: Jer. 31:7-14; Psalm 84:1-8 (9-12); Eph. 1:3-6,15-19a; Matt. 2:13-15,19-23; or Luke 2:41-52; or Matt. 2:1-12
Contemporary theological discussions aside, all would agree that modern families come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. A few among us are privileged to live in traditional extended households, in which interaction between parents, grandparents, and children takes place on a daily basis. Many more are members of less traditional nuclear families, which came into their own in the middle of the 20th century. And more than half of all Americans, as we enter the third millennium, are members of families which consist solely of two persons who are simply committed to one another.
Whatever their sizes or shapes, our families do much to determine who we become as human beings. Families of unconditional love produce loving adults; families in which love is denied or conditional can produce sociopaths. Likewise, families in which suspicion and jealousy reign produce selfish and self-centered individuals. On the other hand, families whose members value helping and protecting each other usually grow helpful and responsible adults.
Central to the mystery of the Incarnation is the fact that God himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, freely chose to be formed through the agency of a human family. Granted, it’s a better family than most of us have, but its contemplation is useful indeed. The Lord is born into a family in which economic uncertainty takes a second place to love between parents (Matt. 2:9-12). The faithfulness of a husband demands protection for a wife and Child (2:13-15). Parents are questioned and challenged by a member of the upcoming generation (Luke 2:41-52). The result was undoubtedly the healthiest person who has ever walked this earth.
The readings for this as-yet unofficial Feast of the Holy Family remind us that, whatever our personal background, God himself has chosen us to be members of his own family (Jer. 31:9b). “He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will” (Eph. 1:5). As such, we as Christians are enabled to become family to one another — God’s family. Our call is to relationships in which love takes precedence over everything else. Our challenge is to protect each other from all harm, even at risk to ourselves. And we’re called to accept and to respect each others’ differences, even as our Father accepts us personally.
Look It Up
How does Paul understand the relationship of Christians to the Lord Jesus? To God the Father? (Gal. 4:1-7)
Think About It
In what ways do local Christian congregations function as families for their members?
Next Sunday
First Sunday after the Epiphany, Jan. 9, 2005
Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 89:1-29 or 89:20-29; Acts 10:34-38; Matt. 3:13-17
RCL: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-38; Matt. 3:13-17
