🎶 Here's the story of a lovely lady
Who was bringing up three very lovely girls.
All of them had hair of gold, like their mother,
The youngest one in curls.
Here's the story, of a man named Brady,
Who was busy with three boys of his own.
They were four men, living all together,
Yet they were all alone.
Till the one day when the lady met this fellow,
And they knew that it was much more than a hunch,
That this group must somehow form a family.
That's the way we all became the Brady Bunch.
The Brady Bunch,
The Brady Bunch,
That's the way we became the Brady Bunch. 🎶
Many of you from my generation and older will remember that song as the theme to that classic tv show “The Brady Bunch”.
This show, beloved by many, told the story of a man named Brady, a widower with three boys, who marries a woman with three girls.
It was one of the first shows to present a blended family, showcasing the challenges and joys that come with merging different lives under one roof.
Although lighthearted, The Brady Bunch opened doors to understanding that families come in various forms.
In the gospel from St. Luke we see the Holy Family of Nazareth - Mary, Joseph, and Jesus - in a moment of deep religious observance and prophecy. They present Jesus in the Temple, fulfilling the Law of Moses, an act that reflects their obedience and faithfulness to God.
We also encounter Simeon and Anna, two devout individuals who recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Simeon's prophecy and Anna's proclamation highlight the significant role Jesus will play in the salvation of humanity. This revelation at the Temple shows the larger divine plan unfolding, even within the day-to-day life of the Holy Family.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family today, it's important to recognize that while the Holy Family of Nazareth - Mary, Joseph, and Jesus - lived in a different time and culture, the virtues they exemplify are timeless and universal, relevant to all our families, no matter how they are composed.
The life of the Holy Family in Nazareth offers profound lessons:
1. Love and Respect: Mary and Joseph's mutual love and respect, and their love for Jesus, remind us that these are the cornerstones of any family, no matter its structure.
2. Faith in God: Their unwavering faith in God, even in challenging times, is a beacon for our families today, guiding us through our own trials.
3. Support and Togetherness: The Holy Family's unity in times of joy and hardship is a model for us. It is in our families where we support and uplift each other, celebrating our joys and sharing our burdens.
Today, many of our families resemble "The Brady Bunch" more than the traditional nuclear family. We have single parents doing their best, blended families learning to merge different backgrounds, and extended families providing support.
What binds these families together is not just blood, but love, care, and mutual support.
In a world where family life often faces numerous challenges, let us remember that the essence of family life is love, patience, and understanding. Let these virtues guide us in nurturing our relationships.
May we embody the virtues of the Holy Family in our daily lives, making our homes havens of love, faith, and joy.
Amen.