They spoke and listened to each other

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

“Looking Ahead” is a reflection on the Sunday readings for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, by Father Perry.

“Quality of Life” is a phrase that connotes a way of living as opposed to simply living.

Today’s readings talk about our dedication to God, husband to wife, wife to husband, children to parents, and each person to the whole community.

This quality consists in living “as God’s chosen ones” with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience – bearing with one another and forgiving one another.

This goes way beyond just living, to living a very high quality of life.

But then the Gospel shows a fission or break in this quality of life: “Our son is lost!”

What parents would not in an instant feel terror and horror that they might never see their son again.

There is no doubt that this horrific intrusion into the lives of Mary and Joseph suddenly interrupted their quality of life. But part of what makes this family a holy family is the way in which they responded.

Immediately, Joseph and Mary communicated with one another and prioritized their response by going together to seek out their son.

When they found him, they gently chided him: “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”

The questions and answers were direct, honest, heartfelt, and meaningful.

But underneath each question and answer was: respect, obedience, a sense of following a deeper call and urging of the Spirit, a careful retaining of these matters and memories in the heart, and a willingness to grow in wisdom.

This experience of the “lost son” and the resulting encounter presented a family who spoke and listened deeply to one another.

Is not this evidence of wholeness, holiness, and a healthy quality of life?

Is not this what all families should strive to live?

Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.