by Msgr. Joseph P. Calise
In 2022, the book “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain was banned from many school districts because some found the language offensive. I can understand that sensitivity, but I think the critics of this book missed the greater picture. The offensive word that was used in the book reflects the language of the time and place – it does not condone or approve of it but simply represents it with historical accuracy.
What is central to the novel is literally the central chapter in which Huckleberry Finn has to make a critical moral choice. He has found Jim, a runaway slave, and he is expected to turn him in. Yet, he has come to know Jim as a good man and a friend. He opts to go against the social requirement and protect his friend. In this moment, Huck becomes a man, someone who can stand on his own and make a decision that he will defend even if he incurs some type of punishment. Like so many great pieces of literature, these coming-of-age stories provide great inspiration. There is much of that inspiration in the Scriptures today.
At first glance, today’s Gospel appears to be a rather odd choice for the feast of the Holy Family. The caravan is leaving Jerusalem. These caravans were not very orderly, organized systems of travel but were often somewhat chaotic. Women would be riding animals or wagons, men would be walking, and children would be all over the place. Stopping for meals and for rest would be the time for families to reunite.
When they left the temple, Mary probably thought Jesus was in the back with Joseph, who probably thought he was upfront with Mary or playing somewhere with the other children. When it came time to set camp for the night, and He could not be found, the anxiety began. Returning to Jerusalem and finding him in the midst of the teachers, Mary and Joseph were most likely relieved, confused, and annoyed all at the same time. His almost dismissive response to their concern, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” had to come as quite a surprise to them. As always, there is more to this than a first reading exposes.
The trip was to Jerusalem for Passover. This was a special moment in the life of a Jew because it celebrates both their liberation from Pharaoh at the Exodus and also the promise of full freedom in God’s kingdom. Remembering the sanctity of this trip, there are some details that become important. Jesus was 12, the age of becoming a man subject to the Law. When he says he must be “about his father’s business,” he is clearly talking about his heavenly father. Joseph knew this day would come.
Love Jesus as he did, Joseph knew that he was not Jesus’ father but was, with Mary, to accompany him as he grew to this moment of spiritual independence. There are clearly two storylines here. On the entirely-surface account of two worried parents searching for their son and finding him in a surprising place. On a deeper level, it is Jesus’ coming-of-age story. He is becoming a man and is beginning to understand that he has a mission — a purpose.
He is not ready to start his public ministry yet but is growing more and more aware that he has something to do in accordance with his father’s will. The next time we hear about Jesus going to Jerusalem for the Passover will be at the time of the crucifixion when the Father’s plan is more fully revealed. At this point, he has more to learn, so he returns to Nazareth. St. John makes the Father’s plan clear: “For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son so that all who believe in Him might not perish but will have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16).
In this coming-of-age moment, the child of Christmas past in Bethlehem begins the visible transformation into the King of Glory in the promise of Christmas yet to come.
Readings for the feast of the Holy Family
Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or
1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28
Col 3:12-21 or
3:12-17 or
1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24
Lk 2:41-52
Msgr. Calise is pastor of Transfiguration-St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Maspeth.
