A Blessed Feast of the Holy Family and A Happy New Year!

A Blessed Feast of the Holy Family and A Happy New Year!

Posted on : December 27, 2024

A few weeks ago, I had the joy of going to watch Home Alone at the Akron Civic Theatre with my family.  Afterward, Macaulay Culkin was there to answer questions and share about his experience filming the movie.  It was splendid.  Even though I have seen Home Alone many, many times—especially as my nieces and nephews have fallen in love with the movie now—I was surprisingly touched by the scene when Kevin meets old man Marley in the church.  Kevin confesses to not being that good of a kid and saying things he shouldn’t have.  Even though he said bad things to his family, he really loved them, especially his brother.

Marley then said, “Deep down, you’ll always love him.  But you can forget that you love him.  You can hurt them, and they can hurt you.”  Then Marley proceeded to talk about how he is not welcome with his son because he had an argument with him, they lost their tempers, and he said he didn’t care to see him anymore.  His son said the same and they haven’t spoke to each other since.  Then Kevin asked something so simple and profound: “If you miss him, why don’t you call him?”  Marley said because he was afraid he won’t talk to him.  Kevin then challenged him to call his son.  “What if he won’t talk to me?” Marley asked.  Kevin reminds him, “At least you’ll know.  Then you could stop worrying about it.  Then you won’t have to be afraid anymore.  I don’t care how mad I was, I’d talk to my dad, especially around the holidays…just give it a shot, for your granddaughter anyway.  I’m sure she misses you, and the presents.”

Perhaps you find yourself in a situation similar to Marley’s with your own family.  Like those teachers in the temple who sat with the little child Jesus in today’s gospel—who were astounded at His understanding and answers—Marley indeed was surprised at Kevin’s wisdom and guidance as they sat in church together.

Don’t be afraid.  Reach out in love.  We know love conquers all fear.  Life is too short to worry about how someone may react if you reach out to them in love.  Make this year of 2025 a time to humbly approach your family members in love and begin living the words St. Paul gave us in the second reading: “Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.”  What if they don’t respond back in love?  Like Kevin says, “At least you’ll know…Then you can stop worrying about it.”

Have a Blessed New Year,
Fr. Jeremy

PS Come to the Ministry Fair in the Gym next Sunday, January 5 after the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Masses.  Grab a donut and learn about the different ministries we offer at St. Francis.  Peace!

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