Mary and Joseph “took Jesus up to Jerusalem.” “Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.” “When the parents brought in the child Jesus,” Simeon “took him into his arms and blessed God.” “There was also a prophetess, Anna.” She too “gave thanks to God and spoke about the child.” “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom.”
The Pew Research Center recently conducted a survey on the Modern American Family. Their questions included concerns about the future of the family. The survey found that 40% of respondents were pessimistic about the future of the family. But it is not the case that 60% were optimistic; 25% were optimistic with 29% saying they were neither pessimistic nor optimistic. Those pessimistic about the future of the family tended to be white, older, male, Republicans. A strong link to the pessimistic view was “fewer children being raised by two married parents.” Overall, 49% of respondents said this element will have a negative impact on the country. The survey did not specifically address gay marriage. Gay marriage proponents have been vocal in defending the benefits of marriage. Some white, older, male, Republicans have changed their mind on gay marriage given gay support of the institution. U.S. society has recognized the benefit of children being raised by two people who are committed to remaining in a loving relationship. Commitment is the primary virtue that emerges from studies on enduring marriages. Whatever else may or may not be present, when partners demonstrate commitment, marriages are successful, families are happy. Commitment means a definitive decision is made and consistently confirmed and not targeted for erosion nor taken for granted. Commitment weaves a wholistic net of relationships holding us dear. In commitment we are in touch within and across personal and conscientious relationships as well as social and moral relationships. We are loved for our particular self, and we are loved as one cohesive whole. We live in a communion of thoughtful, emotional, and practical decisions to live for the greatest good, for ourselves and for our partner and for our children. To live for the greatest good is to be optimistic.
“Let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together for” “the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.” (Kahlil Gibran)
Prayer: Beautiful Spirit, I commit to a decision to live for the greatest good.
Question: To whom and/or to what am I committed?
December 31, 2023 Gospel Luke 2:22-0 Feast of The Holy Family