Today’s Scripture Readings

A father’s love … who does not yearn for that? Warm, comforting, unwavering. To those who have experienced that familial love it’s certainly something to savour but to those who haven’t, definitely something to seek. The recent Feast of the Baptism of Jesus reminded us of God’s proclamation to Jesus, ‘This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ (Matthew 3:17) Baptism offers us all that same reassurance of our heavenly Father’s deep, abiding and personal love. He delights that we belong to His beloved family.

The Christmas readings told how Joseph listened attentively to his Heavenly Father and protected Mary and Jesus from many dangers, modelling the value of selfless love, humble obedience, and silent sacrifice. The sanctity of the Holy Family was built on that love and trust Joseph had for God and his willingness to follow God’s will, even amidst great uncertainty. As Jesus emerged from this humble home to begin His public ministry, He was unshakable in His determination to reveal that the whole purpose of His incarnation was to reveal the reality of God’s Kingdom, available to all who would follow His Father’s Will.

The precious gift of the Father’s love asks of us something in return. That we follow His will, with our hearts open to all members of His family. As February, the month of the Holy Family approaches, in addition to praying for their protection and intercession, let us remind ourselves that we part of that family, with Jesus and Joseph as brothers, Mary as our mother and join them to wholeheartedly pray, ‘Abba, Father… thy Will be done!’