THE HOLY FAMILY
By our Pastor, Fr. Carmelo Jiménez
In December of 2012 I wrote one of the strongest homilies for me, because it talked about a very difficult reality that is being lived out in our time, the separation and detriment of the family. I started copying literally part of the second reading: “Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.” (Col 3: 20-21)
I have been in the United States for more than 11 years (almost 12) and with great sadness I have seen the detriment of several families, including those who I thought were model families. Only very few couples arrive at a silver or golden wedding anniversary, because this world, full of evil and selfishness, makes couples turn against each other and divides them. From many mouths I’ve heard, our love is gone! He/She does not make me happy! I can’t stand it anymore! My marriage is a living hell! All of that is because they don’t seek God and they put their eyes only on material things or their marriage is based on beautiful feelings.
The children in this Country are protected by laws, so that if the authorities see child abuse, carelessness or negligence they can take the children away from the parents. Many children have used this so that they are not required to fulfill their responsibilities. If a father or mother hits their children, they are threatened by their own children to take them to court. Another very difficult situation is happening now with the youth who were born in different countries and were brought here to the USA when they were children. For several years many were protected by the DACA program and they are now without any protection. Many of them are afraid to be deported and separated from their families, as well as arriving in a country totally unknown to them. Some children are separated from their parents by their rebellion and others for not having the legal papers to be in this country. What a difficult situation!
Part of my mission in the US is to be with families and December is hard for our families. Beginning in December they start to miss home and feel lonely. Many have lost a loved one this year, and it’s hard not to go and say goodbye to them. The majority of people have come in order to help their family and they have provided for their families that continue to live in different countries. In this season they can’t go to enjoy their hometown, and long to go to see their dad, mom, brothers or sisters, sons and daughters, uncles or nephews. Many of them yearn to celebrate traditions. The people miss the songs and the parties. And many of them weep for their families.
“When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” (Lk 2: 22) Joseph and Mary, and the baby Jesus endured hardships when they fled to Egypt, in foreign lands, but they sought to protect the life of Jesus, they cared for him with great enthusiasm. Joseph listened to the voice of God. Mary followed the voice of Joseph, her husband. The little Jesus obeyed his parents, even though he knew he was God. Parents, your mission is very great, and it is true that there is no manual for the education of your children. That is why I invite you, to seek the strength and wisdom of God, in the sacraments, in listening to his Word. Pray parents, personally and together, because God gives you love so you can love your children. Children, listen to your parents, don’t only go to them in difficult times, but also to listen to advice. Teenagers and young people, with all my heart I tell you, no one, absolutely no one has perfect parents, but if your parents cared for you until today, you have good parents. They are not your enemies, therefore, be grateful for what they have given you.
Families turn to God, listen to the voice of the Lord and let yourselves be guided by him. May the Holy Family: Jesus, Joseph and Mary, continue to intercede for each of our families – for each of these immigrant families, for each family who is going through problems so they can know how to solve them, for divided families so they can rediscover their love, for families that love God so they can remain strong. May God bless and protect each one of our families. Amen.