A Holy Challenge

In tomorrow's Gospel reading we hear the story of Jesus' birth once again from Luke's Gospel with one additional verse added,

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

We remember on this day that Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews who did all for Jesus that was required by Moses' Law. Jesus would redeem humankind from within and through the covenant of God made with Moses.

This passage and a few others give us a glimpse into those shadowy years of Jesus’ youth. We know that Jesus grew up in life of Jeiwsh ritual observance, which found its pattern in the Law of Moses and its purpose in drawing closer to God. Jesus’ parents were both careful in following the letter of the law and thoughtful in understanding with their hearts what their actions signified. We know that Jesus did not suddenly become obedient to God as an adult, but was actually raised by parents who both taught and practiced obedience to God in their home. This makes The Holy Family a model for our own families, by challenging us to raise our own children to be obedient to God as well as following God's commandments ourselves.

peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor + King of Peace Episcopal Church