Keep Holy Company

We embark on a new year today while celebrating the Feast of Great Saint of the Church, and also the Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Both the readings for today and the life of such a great saint inspire me, and I pray you for the New Year.

At that time, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” And he said to them, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.

Luke 2:20-21, 40-52

Today’s Gospel lesson is the only reference to the childhood of Christ. Saint Luke tells us something important. From the moment He was born, Christ was surrounded by people who were devoted to God.

From the shepherds to the Scribes to His Mother and her family, the scenes from His childhood tell a story of a boy who, even though His Mother knew His origin, was raised by Godly people for a Godly purpose.

Now that we are looking directly at our New Year, I pray the childhood lessons of Christ can be lessons for us. I pray this is the year we are able, or at least try, to pay more attention to those in our ‘circles of influence’ daily.

It doesn’t mean isolation, but it does mean being more intentional with the time we spend with others. As the old saying goes, “You are known by the company you keep.” Nothing is more true that what we know about Saint Basil.

His friends AND his family are all saints of the Church. As he grew in wisdom, he realized there was more importance to a life of prayer and reflection, so he became a monk. It isn’t monasticism that we are all called to. It is keeping company with holy people that inspires us.

Although he didn’t live on earth for many years, his devotion, leadership and wisdom have lasted centuries in the Church. His devotion to charitable work as a priority for the Church and society lasts in every hospital and child center today.

May the childhood of Our Savior, and the dedication to the holy surroundings of Saint Basil be our inspiration for the New Year. I pray we when we find ourselves on the first day of the New Year next, the company we chose to keep this year with bring us closer to Christ.

Happy (and Holy) New Year.