Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family - Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The family is the basic unit of society. It is no wonder why God chose to use it in His plan for the redemption of all men, women, and children.
Joseph is often labeled "the forgotten saint." This is unfortunate because he is the Church's patron saint, and rightfully so. Just as he protected Christ, he protects Christ's mystical body the Catholic Church.Mary as we know, was a virgin prior to bearing Jesus and remained a virgin afterward. She was preserved from original sin making her the Immaculate Conception. Mary followed Jesus all throughout His years on Earth. She would be assumed into heaven and before this would also help spread the good news of her Son. Mary is the only human being to be free from sin. She is the model of what every human person must aspire to become - holy. Mary is given special veneration because of this which is called hyperdulia.
Jesus is the Son of God and the second person of the Blessed Trinity. God the Son took on flesh and became a human in all things except sin (Hebrews 4:15). As a child, Jesus was obedient to His parents. However, He always put His Father in heaven first. We see this in the account of Jesus in the temple. (Luke 2:41-52) Jesus wanders off from His parent's sight and enters the temple. In the temple, He begins speaking to the teachers, asking questions, and answering questions as well. The teachers and others were surprised at His knowledge and ability to speak as a teacher Himself (Luke 2:41-52).
Mary and Joseph found Him there and were upset that He wandered off. Jesus simply replied that He was doing His Father's business and asked why did they search for Him as if they were supposed to know what He would be up to. I recommend reading the Holy Father's Pope Benedict the XVI's new book, Jesus of Nazareth - the Infancy Narratives (ISBN: 978038534605. The Pope goes more in deal in his scholarly style. It is very informative if you want to know more about Jesus' boyhood.
The Feast of the Holy Family is a celebration that invites us to reflect on the life and virtues of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This feast, which falls within the Christmas season, highlights the importance of family in God's plan and offers us a model of love, faith, and obedience. The readings for this feast day provide rich insights into the dynamics of the Holy Family and their significance for our own lives.
First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
The first reading from the Book of Sirach emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting one's parents:
"God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother. My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins—a house raised in justice to you."
This passage highlights the virtues of respect, honor, and care within the family. It underscores the reciprocal nature of family relationships, where honoring one's parents brings blessings and divine favor. The Holy Family exemplifies these virtues, with Jesus showing profound respect and obedience to Mary and Joseph. This reading calls us to reflect on our own family relationships and the ways we can honor and care for our loved ones.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
The responsorial psalm celebrates the blessings of a family that walks in the ways of the Lord:
"Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life."
This psalm paints a picture of a harmonious and blessed family life, where each member flourishes under God's guidance. The imagery of a fruitful vine and olive plants symbolizes growth, prosperity, and peace. The Holy Family, living in accordance with God's will, embodies these blessings. This psalm invites us to seek God's guidance in our family lives and to cultivate an environment of love and faith.
Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21
In the second reading, St. Paul provides practical advice for Christian households:
"Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged."
Paul's exhortation to the Colossians emphasizes the virtues that should characterize Christian families: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. These virtues create an environment where the peace of Christ can dwell. The Holy Family exemplifies these qualities, with each member showing love and respect for one another. This reading challenges us to cultivate these virtues in our own families, fostering a spirit of unity and harmony.
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
The Gospel reading recounts the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the prophetic words of Simeon and Anna:
"When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, 'Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,' and to offer the sacrifice of 'a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,' in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 'Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.' The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.' There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him."
This passage from Luke highlights the faithfulness and obedience of the Holy Family. Mary and Joseph fulfill the requirements of the law by presenting Jesus in the temple, where they encounter Simeon and Anna. Simeon's prophetic words reveal the significance of Jesus' mission and the challenges that lie ahead. The Holy Family's response to God's will, even in the face of uncertainty, serves as a model for us.
Reflection
The Feast of the Holy Family invites us to reflect on the virtues and dynamics that characterize a holy family. The readings for this feast day emphasize the importance of respect, honor, compassion, kindness, and obedience within the family. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph exemplifies these virtues, offering us a model to emulate in our own lives.
As we celebrate this feast, let us strive to cultivate these virtues in our families. Let us honor and care for our parents, show compassion and kindness to one another, and seek to live in accordance with God's will. By doing so, we create an environment where the peace of Christ can dwell and where each member can grow in faith and love.
May the Holy Family inspire us to live lives of holiness and to build families that reflect the love and grace of God. Let us turn to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph for guidance and intercession, trusting that they will help us to grow in virtue and to fulfill God's plan for our lives.
: [USCCB](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122924.cfm)
: [Catholic Culture](https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2024-12-29)
: [Catholic Online](https://www.catholic.org/liturgicalyear/advent.php)
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