Scripture Reflection for the Feast of the Holy Family
December 26, 2004
The Holy Family: Political Refugees
On Christmas we celebrate the second most joyous feast in the Christian calendar (Easter being the first). So uplifted are we by this great holy day that we may fail to see the sobering reality in this Sunday's Gospel, coming just one day after Christmas. The sobering reality is this: Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were forced to leave their homeland to become political refugees in another country. So as much as I'd like to reflect on the joy of the Holy Family, we have to reflect on the Gospel the Church presents us with, not the Gospel we'd like to have.
As the Gospel of Matthew tells the story, Joseph took his family to Egypt after being warned by an angel about King Herod's violent intentions. The Gospel we read today skips over the horrific massacre of the infant boys in Matthew 2:16-18, which happened because Herod was afraid of losing his royal power. Even when the Holy Family returns we read that Joseph dares not return to Judea--where Herod's son rules-- and they settle in Galilee instead.
Jesus Shares a Refugee's Plight
This is another reminder that Jesus did not live a life of privilege and power. He shared the most painful and wrenching experience that any family can face. We can only wonder at the fear and anxiety that Mary and Joseph felt as they traveled the lonely trade route from Judea to Egypt. Were they worried that Herod would send soldiers after them? Were they afraid the robbers might attack them and take their few belongings? Did they know whether they would have a place to live or be welcomed when they arrived in Egypt?
Refugees Today
Today, according to the US Committee for Refugees, there are 13 million people in the world fleeing political persecution from their own country. There are nearly twice that many seeking protection within their own country. And this does not include the millions of immigrant families who are not fleeing political persecution but are fleeing famine and extreme poverty to find a better life.
I know that Pope John Paul has been reading this Gospel. He is urging the US bishops to make care for refugees and immigrants a top pastoral priority. We can be proud that the Catholic Church takes a leadership role in this area.
Catholic Relief Services works with refugees, and many parishes have been active in helping refugees relocate in their communities. These efforts need the full support of our entire parish--our commitment to the Holy Family demands it.
Life Applications:
You might be thinking, "What can I do about it -- this is too big?" The answer is that you can do lots. Chances are there are refugee and/or immigrant families in your community, maybe even in your Church. Consider these things:
- Find out if there are refugee families in your community. Make an effort to get to know them, particularly in your school or parish.
- Do some research to learn more about refugees. The Church World Service and
Catholic Relief Services websites have good information. Teach
others about what you have learned.
- Pray that we work towards ending the causes of intolerance and violence that create refugees.
Copyright 2004 by Brian
Singer-Towns
All rights reserved.
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