Posted by The WORD in other words (2023) by Fr Bernard Espiritu SVD – New Zealand
Feast of the Holy Family – B
Two personalities in the Gospel of today caught my attention. The first is Simeon, described as righteous and devout, and the second is the prophetess Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. Both became outstanding because of their contact with the Child Jesus. The dynamics of their citations intrigued me.
Simeon’s description focuses on his inner qualities, while Anna’s origins and vocation establish her identity. Anna is the daughter of Phanuel, a name that means “the one who turns to the Lord.” He is from the Tribe of Asher, which means “child of joy.”
Luke, the writer of our Gospel, likewise described Anna as righteous and devout, though with a creative twist: the one who fasts and prays. Both Simeon and Anna were grateful to God, who fulfilled promises and realized salvation. They referred to Jesus as light both to the believers and the faith seekers. Can we identify with any of these gospel personalities?
2023 ends today as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. We meet the two older gospel personalities I have cited. Both witnessed a past lived and fulfilled. Both were also proclaimers of a promising future that enables others to live their future with hope. Despite being advanced in age, I referred to them as “older” and not “old” people.
There is a world of difference between old and older people. Old people can only talk best of the good old days; they lament their present and forget that the future can exist. Older people remember their past with endearment and even humor; the novelties of the present challenge them, and they project a future with hopes. They still dream. Did the year 2023 make us old or older?
Our Gospel today did not end with Simeon and Anna. Instead, after thanking God and honoring the family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus with wonder and amazement, Simeon blessed them, and Anna announced the hope Jesus brings to people’s future. Our Gospel concluded with the story of a family going to their own home and the child growing healthy under God’s favor with parents passing on their wisdom, making it a holy family. At the end of 2023, do we still have a home where our love of God is a blessing and human wisdom advances?
The Feast of the Holy Family celebrates the God-given gifts families receive and then pass them on to the community. Our families become holy when we can provide light to others and give glory to God. Our families are not only disciples of the Light of Revelation to the nations, but also missionaries that give glory to God.
It is a blessing to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family on the last day of 2023. It reminds us that the Holy Mass does not culminate with the blessing that ends with the word “Amen” but with the admonition: “Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord,” and all believers respond: “Thanks be to God!” It affirms that our families become holy when we become God’s missionary disciples.
Let us move on to the New Year 2024 that belongs to God and us. May you be blessed with good health, peace, and gospel joy. May you lack nothing essential to living life with dignity. And may only goodness and kindness follow you all the days of the New Year 2024!
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