Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
LK 2:22-40
December 31, 2023

“AI.”

I bet there aren’t many folks who need to ask: “What’s that?”

“Artificial Intelligence” made a rapid transition from an intriguing, futuristic thought, found in science fiction books and movies, to part of our everyday reality. “AI” has proven itself to be of enormous benefit to humankind, but at the same time it possess some real and highly dangerous threats to our future. I would suggest that one downside to “AI” is that it has contributed in a major way to the division that has become the hallmark of the present age.

The fact of the matter is, the younger generations are knowledgeable, even skilled, in looking to “AI” for high-speed information and knowledge. Whereas most seniors are not. That, in my opinion results in division.

However, we seniors are not without resources. WE HAVE WISDOM…. THAT IS SLOWLY LEARNED THROUGH LIVED EXPERIENCES…but…is essential in making right judgments. Information and knowledge, as valuable as they might well be, can often lead down a dark path without wisdom to guide them.

One real and highly dangerous threat that “AI” brings with all of the good it has to offer…is that it appears to make WISDOM IRRELEVANT. That is very worrisome, particularly as respects spiritual wisdom.

The Spiritual Wisdom, that is a special gift of The Holy Spirit, has been handed down, appreciated, trusted, and highly valued through the generations. Unfortunately, as humankind looks more and more to technology for information and guidance, WISDOM appears to be devalued or even worse…ignored. As a result this cultural shift technology has triggered, there is not only a growing division between the young and the old…but even more serious…a distancing BY humankind FROM the Divine.

WHAT DOES ANY OF THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THIS FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY?

Clearly, the spot light is on Jesus, Mary and Joseph. However, the supporting actors in this drama, which unfolds in the Temple, should not be overlooked. What we have in this passage is a meeting and harmonious blending of three generations, the result being a moment of GREAT REVELATION…once again affirming the message of the angles…CHRIST THE SAVIOR IS BORN.

These two elderly people bring to the story, both knowledge about God’s promise to send The Messiah into this world, as well as the wisdom to recognize the Infant as The Christ. Without their knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, they would not have been waiting and watching for something wonderful to happen.

Without their wisdom, they may not have recognized the Holy Family when they encountered them. All of this because their knowledge was directed and energized by the WISDOM given them by The Holy Spirit. Moreover, Joseph and Mary were wise enough to listen to…and most probably benefited in some way, from what their elders had to offer.

The Church has paired two Readings to introduce this Gospel, each, in its own way, speaking to the importance of family and the respect that should flow between the generations. The concept of inheritance is mentioned in both passages. The richest and most valuable inheritance that one generation can pass on to the next…is what has been given to us by the Holy Spirit. A gift that teaches us how to use the fleeting things of this world in such a way that all divisions…are healed…. especially those that separate creation from our Creator.