Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6, 12-14 / Colossians 3:12-21 / Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
The usage of words presumes that they are used correctly and the meaning is clear.
So, in a discussion or in a deliberation, words are used to express ideas and concepts.
When the ideas are understood, and the concepts are clear, then the discussion or the deliberation will be fruitful.
But there are times when words are joined awkwardly and the meaning can be rather humorous.
Like for example, we have heard of this phrase “unexpected emergency”. But thinking about it deeper, all emergencies are unexpected; there is no planning for an emergency to happen. So, in short, there is no need to have an “unexpected” before emergency.
The same can be said about “final outcome”. Is there like a “non-final outcome”?
Or, how about “extra bonus”. Bonus, by definition is already something extra.
Other phrases that have this redundant repetition are phrases like “new innovation” and “repeat again”.
We have used these phrases, but they are understandable when used casually.
Today, we come across the term that has a profound and unique meaning, and that is “Holy Family”.
The word, “family”, is understandable in logical and conceptual terms.
But the word “family” also touches on the emotional, because it is a reality in our lives; we all come from a family; we all have a family.
And with the word “holy” before “family”, then our attention is turned to the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Much has been said about the holiness of that family that is expressed in kindness, gentleness, compassion, understanding, patience and unity.
But we would shy away from using the word “holy” for our families.
Although we strive to be like the Holy Family, we cannot deny that it is indeed challenging and difficult.
On the other hand, we have seen and heard of broken families, dysfunctional families and other negative adjectives that come before the word “family”.
Still, when it comes to our families, we hope that we will at least be a happy family, living simply with charity, and striving for harmony and unity.
In other words, deep within, we want our families to be like the Holy Family, especially in times of trials and tribulations.
In the gospel, we heard of how the Holy Family endured challenges and difficulties.
But they were able to journey on because of their faith in God and their love for each other.
Every family will have to face their moments of crisis.
A crisis can be a source of division resulting in hurt, bitterness and resentment.
Or, a crisis can be an opportunity of discovery and the renewal of faith and love, as well as the strengthening of the emotional bonds that are deep within our humanity.
There is this story, or practice, among the nomadic communities in the Gobi desert of Mongolia.
When Mongolian camels reject their newborns, the herders do not respond with force or other means of control.
Instead, they turn to an ancient ritual rooted in patience, empathy and sound.
For generations, those nomadic communities have practiced khöölökh, which is a soft repetitive, coaxing song, sung directly to the distressed camel.
Accompanied at times by the low tones of a horse head fiddle, the song is meant to calm the mother camel and re-awaken her maternal bonds with her calf.
As the melody continues, the camel often becomes still, and tears begin to form in her eyes.
Eventually, she lowers her head and allows the baby camel to nurse and accept it as her own.
Across the harsh grasslands where survival depends on livestock, the practice of khöölökh has saved countless newborns.
It stands as a reminder that some of the oldest knowledge systems recognise a truth that modern societies often forget.
The truth is that emotional and family bonds are not repaired through force or control.
But it is through the means of a soft song and mellow music that the powerful emotions of love are awakened, and that will bring about healing and bonding.
And we have that means. The soft, repetitive sounds of family prayer and hymns will awaken and renew the powerful human family emotions of love, that will lead us to desire for peace and harmony, kindness and forgiveness, understanding and patience towards our family members.
When families are united in faith and love, the parish community and the Church will also be united in faith in love.
May the prayers of Jesus, Mary and Joseph be heard in our families, in our parish and in the Church, so that the world will be awaken by love, a love that will bring about God’s blessings of peace to the world.