Homily, December 31, 2023
From The Pastor
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God…
And the Word became Flesh and made his place among us. Jn 1
What better way to begin the New Year than to ground ourselves in the truth of God’s Word come to us through the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus? Jesus is our source and origin, our deepest longing, and the fulfillment of an eternal promise. The deepest meaning of life is love. We are created in love, for love, and by love. Love is the deepest truth of our existence and the path to our greatest happiness. God is love, and those who live in love live in God, and God in them.
These truths are expressed in today’s Feast of the Holy Family and further highlighted in the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God on January 1st. Despite all the social changes we have experienced, the family remains the foundation of society and the stability of human growth and development. As families go, so goes the rhythm of culture and society. Families are the seedbed of love that nurtures secure and faith-filled children into confident and mature adults.
Consider the wisdom of the Book of Sirach. Love and honor shown to parents bears the fruit of forgiveness that reveals bonds of love built on mutual respect. In homes of faithful love there is an open path to God through prayer. This may seem highly idealized. It is not. We all know the messiness of family life and the challenges that must be faced. It is in this same messiness that bonds of love are created through patience, tolerance, and generous forgiveness that confirms deep acceptance. Sometimes this fails and separation may take place. The path of prayer remains open for the Lord to bring healing and restoration.
How did Jesus become the man of faith and power that he became? It is too simple to say, ‘Well, he was God.’ Yes, he was but he was also as human as you and me, yet without sin. Consider the love, faith, and example of justice and mercy Mary modeled for Jesus. Throughout his life, Jesus was deeply loved and influenced by the faith and holiness of his Mother. Joseph too must have had a strong impact on the young Jesus as he learned a manly way of work, discipline, and strong character. Jesus, like the rest of us, was the product of his family life. His home was filled with love, modeled on justice and mercy through the trials of poverty and the oppression that surrounded him.
This is what made the family holy. They persevered through every challenge, loss, hurt, confusion, and difficulty they faced. They remained actively committed to love. Too often, we can be afraid of holiness believing that it is always for someone other than me. This is not true. Our fundamental holiness is not built on our good acts or behavior. True holiness is a gift from God in the fruit of our redemption. In Christ, we are made one with God.
The second reading today is a beautiful expression of this holiness and is worthy of your reflection. ‘Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourself in heart felt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another, forgiving one another… Over all these virtues put on love, the bond of perfection.’ Too idealized? Maybe, but this is the identity we have been given in Christ that will serve our lasting peace. Not easy, not pretty, but tell me this desire and hope is not in your heart. Every parent wants a peaceful home secure in love despite the inevitable challenges.
Consider how the Word made Flesh was reflected in the life of Mary, Mother of God. Mary literally carried and brought forth the child from her womb, Jesus who became the adult Christ. How is Christ evident in your family in the ways you try to love, serve, forgive, or model the Christian life? Do not shy away from holiness just because of your imperfections or even the sins that lean against you. Through Christ, you are no longer a slave to sin. You have been freed from its slavery and given freedom in Christ. Your redemption is already accomplished in the Lord Jesus.
As we begin a new year, ponder the opening lines of this reflection. Jesus is the Word made flesh. Through faith, Baptism, and the Holy Spirit, you are also the word made flesh. How do you embody Christ in yourself? You are a dwelling place of God, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. How is the Spirit and the person of God reflected in the way you live your life?
I love the blessing from the Book of Numbers and I offer it to you through my own faith, hope, and love: ‘The Lord bless and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!’ As you are blessed, become a blessing. Happy New Year.
Father John Esper
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