Happy New Year 2026 from Sacerdotus Ministry

Happy New Year 2026 from Sacerdotus Ministry

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we bid farewell to 2025 and welcome the dawn of 2026, Sacerdotus Ministry extends heartfelt greetings of joy, peace, and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. The turning of the year reminds us of God's eternal mercy and the promise of new beginnings through His grace.

This past year brought profound moments of both sorrow and triumph for the Church and the world. We mourned the passing of our beloved Pope Francis in April, a shepherd who called us to mercy, care for the poor, and protection of creation. Yet, in God's providence, the conclave swiftly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, who has already inspired us with calls for unity, bridge-building, and fidelity to the Gospel amid modern challenges.

Within the Church, we witnessed encouraging signs of renewal: a noticeable increase in Catholicism worldwide, surging Bible sales reaching record highs, a decline in atheism as souls seek truth, more young people returning to Mass with fervor, and a beautiful proliferation of Eucharistic processions drawing thousands into adoration of our Lord truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Cardinal Dolan's resignation from the Archdiocese of New York marked a transition, yet it opens doors for fresh pastoral leadership under the Holy Father's guidance.

Beyond the Church, 2025 unveiled wonders in creation, with the discovery and close passage of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS—a third visitor from beyond our solar system—alongside other remarkable scientific achievements that point to the vastness and order of God's universe.

Yet, we cannot ignore the shadows: persistent inflation straining families, countless deaths from illness and tragedy, ongoing wars and global political tensions sowing division, conflicts over immigration policies including those involving ICE, and the troubling expansion of physician-assisted suicide laws in several jurisdictions, devaluing the sacred gift of life.

Humanity remains in development—a primitive species still grappling with sin, selfishness, and suffering. But we can do better. If we model our societies after Jesus Christ—embracing His teachings of love, justice, forgiveness, and sacrificial service—we will build a civilization of love, life, peace, and true progress.

Let us enter 2026 with renewed commitment to evangelization, prayer, and charity.

Prayer for the New Year:

Heavenly Father,  

As we step into 2026, we thank You for the graces of the past year and entrust this new one to Your loving care. Bless it abundantly with Your peace, wisdom, and strength. Guide Pope Leo XIV and the Church in proclaiming Your truth. Heal our divided world, comfort the afflicted, and draw all souls closer to Your Son.  

We commend to Your mercy the souls of those we lost in 2025, especially Pope Francis and all the faithful departed—grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them.  

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

Happy New Year!  

Sacerdotus Ministry

PS. Things have been rough. We need to pay a lot of bills. Please be generous and help us with a donation. Those who donate $100 or more will receive a Rosary touched to the first- and second-class relics of St. Carlo Acutis.  To donate see: Sacerdotus: Please Help Our Ministry

The True Origins of Christmas: Decoding the December 25 Date and Debunking Pagan Myths

The True Origins of Christmas: Decoding the December 25 Date and Debunking Pagan Myths

 Introduction: Understanding the Graphic

The graphic you shared beautifully illustrates a longstanding Christian tradition for calculating the date of Jesus Christ's birth. It depicts a timeline connecting key scriptural events from the Gospel of Luke:

- The Annunciation to Zechariah (Elizabeth's conception of John the Baptist) on Tishri 15 (around September 25 in the modern calendar), linked to Luke 1:13.

- Six months later, the Annunciation to Mary (conception of Jesus) on March 25, per Luke 1:26.

- Nine months after that, the birth of Jesus on December 25, citing Luke 2:7.

This calculation rests on early Christian interpretations of Luke's Gospel, combined with theological ideas about symmetry in sacred history. The graphic emphasizes that John the Baptist was six months older than Jesus, as stated in Luke 1:36.

Far from being a modern invention or pagan borrowing, this timeline reflects reasoning found in early Church writings. December 25 emerged not from Roman festivals but from sincere efforts by second- and third-century Christians to align Jesus' life with biblical chronology and symbolic theology.

This blog post explores how early Christians arrived at December 25, what Church Fathers said about it, and why common claims of pagan origins—links to Sol Invictus, Mithras, Saturnalia, or borrowed myths—do not hold up to historical scrutiny.

 The Biblical and Theological Basis for December 25

The Bible does not specify Jesus' birth date. Luke mentions shepherds in fields (Luke 2:8), suggesting spring or fall rather than winter, but provides no exact day. Early Christians focused more on Easter than the Nativity.

By the third century, interest grew in calculating the date. Two main ideas drove this:

1. The "Integral Age" or "Perfect Life" Theory: Jewish tradition held that great prophets lived whole years and died on their conception or birth anniversary. Christians applied this to Jesus, making his conception and death coincide.

2. Linking Conception to Passion: Many believed Jesus was conceived on the same date as his crucifixion—often March 25 in the Western calendar (near Passover).

Adding nine months yielded December 25.

 Key Early Evidence

- Hippolytus of Rome (c. 170–235 AD): In his Commentary on Daniel (c. 204 AD), Hippolytus states Jesus was born on December 25. A statue base from his time also records this. His calculations tied creation, incarnation, and passion symbolically.

- Sextus Julius Africanus (c. 221 AD): Linked conception to the spring equinox (March 25), implying birth on December 25.

- Chronography of 354: This Roman calendar lists "Natus Christus in Betleem Judeae" on December 25, reflecting practice by 336 AD.

These predate Emperor Aurelian's 274 AD Sol Invictus festival.

 The Role of Luke's Timeline

Luke 1 ties events together:

- Zechariah serves in the temple (linked by some to Yom Kippur, Tishri 10).

- Elizabeth conceives soon after.

- Six months later, Mary is visited (Luke 1:26, 36).

Variations in Passover dates led to different birth dates: March 25 conception → December 25 birth (West); April 6 → January 6 (some East, still used by Armenians).

John Chrysostom (c. 386 AD) defended December 25 using census records and priestly courses.

Augustine of Hippo (early 5th century) accepted December 25, using it symbolically in On the Trinity.

The graphic's timeline aligns with this tradition: Elizabeth's annunciation in fall, Mary's in spring, Jesus' birth in winter.

 What the Church Fathers Said

Early Fathers show growing consensus:

- Clement of Alexandria (c. 200 AD): Discussed dates but not December 25 specifically.

- Hippolytus: Earliest explicit December 25 reference.

- Gregory of Nazianzus and John Chrysostom (late 4th century): Preached on December 25 as established.

- Augustine and Ambrose: Saw it as providential, with Christ as the "true sun" overcoming darkness.

No Father claims the date was chosen to replace pagan festivals. They present it as historical or theological truth.

 Refuting the Pagan Origins Myths

The "pagan Christmas" claim arose in the 17th–19th centuries but lacks ancient support. Here's a breakdown:

 1. Sol Invictus

Emperor Aurelian established this in 274 AD. Evidence for December 25 is late (post-336 AD calendar). Scholars like Steven Hijmans argue no major pre-Christian Sol festival existed on that date; Aurelian may have responded to growing Christian observance.

Christians predated it (Hippolytus, 204 AD). Fathers like Ambrose called Christ the "true sun"—reclaiming symbolism, not borrowing.

 2. Mithras

No ancient source says Mithras was born December 25. Mithras emerged from rock (not virgin birth), with no birthday festival recorded. Claims stem from 19th-century speculation, debunked by experts like Roger Beck.

 3. Saturnalia

This ran December 17–23, never December 25. Feasting and gifts occurred, but no direct link. Early Christians criticized pagan excess, not imitation.

 4. Dionysus/Bacchus or Other Gods

No evidence for December 25 births. Parallels (virgin birth, resurrection) are exaggerated or false.

 5. Borrowed Myth or Syncretism

Early Christians rejected paganism fiercely. Origen mocked birthday celebrations as pagan. The date arose from internal calculation, not accommodation.

The first pagan-link claim appears in a 12th-century marginal note—centuries after establishment.

 6. Dionysius Exiguus

This 6th-century monk created the AD system but assumed an existing December 25 date; he did not invent it.

Scholarly consensus (e.g., Thomas Talley, Andrew McGowan): December 25 originated from Christian theology, predating or influencing any pagan use.

 Why Does the Myth Persist?

Anti-Christian propaganda (e.g., Emperor Julian) and modern comparative religion overstated parallels. It fits narratives of Christianity as derivative, ignoring evidence.

Christmas celebrates the Incarnation—God becoming man (John 1:14). The date, though traditional, points to this truth.

 Conclusion: A Christian Feast Rooted in Scripture and Tradition

The graphic captures authentic early Christian reasoning: biblical timeline from Luke, theological symmetry, and belief in Jesus as light in darkness.

December 25 is not pagan; it reflects faithful attempts to honor Christ's birth. As we celebrate, focus on the miracle: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

Merry Christmas!

 References and Sources

- Biblical Archaeology Society: "How December 25 Became Christmas" by Andrew McGowan.

- T.C. Schmidt, "Calculating December 25 as the Birth of Jesus in Hippolytus’ Canon and Chronicon," Vigiliae Christianae 69.5 (2015).

- Steven Hijmans, "Sol Invictus, the Winter Solstice, and the Origins of Christmas," Mouseion (2003).

- Thomas J. Talley, The Origins of the Liturgical Year (1986).

- William Tighe, "Calculating Christmas," Touchstone Magazine (2003).

- Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent): Entries on "Christmas" and "Chronology of Christ."

- Hippolytus of Rome, Commentary on Daniel (trans. T.C. Schmidt).

- Augustine, On the Trinity and sermons.

- John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Nativity.

For primary texts: Early Church Fathers collections (e.g., Ante-Nicene Fathers series).

The Holy Family: Model For Us All

Reflection on the Catholic Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family  

December 28, 2025 (Year A)

On this Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the Church invites us to contemplate the domestic life of the Savior and to hold up His family as the model for our own. The readings speak profoundly to the joys, duties, and trials of family life, reminding us that holiness is forged not in perfection but in fidelity, mutual respect, forgiveness, and trust in God's providence.

 First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

The Book of Sirach offers timeless wisdom on honoring parents. God establishes parental authority as a reflection of divine order, and those who honor father and mother reap blessings: atonement for sins, answered prayers, and long life. Especially poignant is the call to care for aging parents with kindness, even when frailty tests patience: "My son, take care of your father when he is old... even if his mind fail, be considerate of him."

This reading challenges us to see family obligations not as burdens but as paths to holiness. In a culture that often marginalizes the elderly, Sirach reminds us that reverence for parents mirrors reverence for God Himself.

 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-5

"Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways." The psalm paints a beautiful image of family blessed by God: fruitful labor, a faithful spouse "like a fruitful vine," and children "like olive plants" around the table. This domestic prosperity flows from reverence for the Lord. Family thrives when rooted in faith.

 Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 (or shorter 3:12-17)

St. Paul urges us to "put on" the virtues of Christ: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and above all, love, which "binds everything together in perfect harmony." Forgiveness is central—"as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive." He addresses family roles with mutual submission in Christ: wives and husbands in love, children in obedience, fathers in gentle guidance.

Though some verses reflect the cultural context of the time, the heart of Paul's message is reciprocal love and peace rooted in Christ. Family becomes a "domestic church" when its members clothe themselves in these virtues.

 Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

The Gospel presents the Holy Family not in serene Nazareth but in crisis: fleeing as refugees into Egypt to escape Herod's murderous rage. An angel warns Joseph in a dream, and he obeys immediately—"he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt." Later, guided again by dreams, they return and settle in Nazareth.

This is no idealized portrait. The Holy Family faces danger, exile, uncertainty, and loss (echoing the slaughter of the Holy Innocents). Yet their response is swift obedience and trust. Joseph protects; Mary ponders and accompanies; the Child Jesus, though divine, submits to human vulnerability. Their holiness shines precisely in trial.

 A Unified Message for Today

Taken together, these readings reveal that family life is the ordinary crucible where extraordinary holiness is formed. Honor and care across generations (Sirach), virtues of Christ lived daily (Colossians), and radical trust in God's guidance amid hardship (Matthew) form the blueprint.

The Holy Family was not exempt from suffering—poverty, displacement, threats—yet they became holy through love, obedience, and fidelity. In our own families, marked by busyness, conflicts, illnesses, or separations, we are called to imitate them: to forgive quickly, to protect the vulnerable, to listen for God's voice in the night, and to make our homes places where Christ dwells.

 

Caution Against Politicizing the Holy Family

While the Gospel account of the Flight into Egypt powerfully illustrates the vulnerability of the Holy Family and God's providential care amid peril, it is important to resist efforts to instrumentalize this sacred event for contemporary political debates on immigration and deportation.

Some advocates claim that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were "refugees," "migrants," or even "illegal immigrants," directly equating their journey with modern undocumented border crossings. This analogy often falls short historically and theologically.

At the time of Christ's birth (around 6–4 BC), both Judea (under Herod the Great, a Roman client king) and Egypt were provinces within the same Roman Empire. Egypt had become a Roman province in 30 BC after Octavian's defeat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Travel between Judea and Egypt involved moving from one administrative region to another—comparable today to crossing from one U.S. state to another, such as New York to Pennsylvania—rather than crossing an international border into a foreign sovereign nation.

There were no modern immigration controls, passports, or visa requirements as we understand them. Roman citizens and subjects moved relatively freely within the Empire's provinces, especially along well-established routes like the Via Maris coastal road connecting Judea to Egypt. The Holy Family's flight escaped Herod's local jurisdiction (he ruled only Judea, Samaria, and Idumea), but they remained under Roman imperial authority. Thus, they did not enter Egypt "illegally" or as undocumented immigrants violating a foreign nation's laws.

Theologically, Matthew presents this event as fulfillment of prophecy ("Out of Egypt I called my son," Hos 11:1) and a parallel to Israel's exodus, emphasizing divine protection rather than a commentary on migration policy. While the Holy Family certainly experienced displacement and hardship—fleeing tyranny and becoming exiles in a foreign land—their situation aligns more closely with internal displacement or seeking safety within a shared political entity than with modern international refugee status or unauthorized border crossing.

Catholic teaching, including Pope Pius XII's Exsul Familia Nazarethana (1952), describes the Holy Family as the "archetype of every refugee family," highlighting their vulnerability to inspire compassion for those fleeing persecution today. The Church upholds the dignity of migrants, the obligation of nations to welcome those in grave need (to the extent possible), and the right of sovereign states to regulate borders. However, it does not equate the Holy Family's unique, divinely guided journey with endorsement of unrestricted immigration or dismissal of lawful borders.

In charity, we must care for the stranger (Mt 25:35) and address root causes of forced migration, but without distorting Scripture or history to advance partisan agendas. The Feast of the Holy Family invites us to imitate their trust in God, mutual love, and obedience—not to weaponize their story in cultural wars.

May we honor them by building families rooted in faith, welcoming the vulnerable with prudence and mercy, and praying for just solutions to the complexities of human mobility. 

Holy Family, pray for us.

As we close the Christmas season, may the Holy Family intercede for our families. May we welcome the Christ Child not only into mangers of sentiment but into the real, messy, beautiful reality of our daily lives together.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—pray for us.

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Love of Siblings

The Unbreakable Bond of Sibling Love: A Reflection Rooted in Faith

Sibling relationships are a unique tapestry woven with threads of love, rivalry, joy, and sacrifice. They are a gift from God, a bond that shapes us, challenges us, and ultimately calls us to a higher standard of love and protection. While siblings may fight, disagree, or compete, the call to love and protect one another remains a sacred duty, deeply rooted in Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and the teachings of the Church Fathers.

The Biblical Foundation of Sibling Love

The Bible offers profound insights into the nature of sibling relationships, highlighting both their challenges and the divine call to love. In Genesis, the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16) serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when sibling rivalry festers into hatred. God asks Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” (Genesis 4:9), to which Cain callously responds, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” This question echoes through the ages, reminding us that we are our siblings’ keepers, responsible for their well-being and bound to them in love.

Contrast this with the story of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37-50). Despite their jealousy and betrayal—selling Joseph into slavery—Joseph ultimately forgives them, declaring, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). His forgiveness and protection of his brothers, even after their wrongs, exemplify the sacrificial love we are called to embody.

Jesus Himself reinforces this call in John 15:12-13: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” While this applies to all Christians, it holds special weight for siblings, who are often our first “friends” in life. The love Christ commands is not mere affection but a selfless, protective love that endures through conflict.

The Saints: Models of Sibling Love

The lives of the saints provide vivid examples of sibling love rooted in faith. Consider Sts. Benedict and Scholastica, twin siblings whose bond was marked by mutual support and spiritual unity. Though they lived separately—Benedict as a monk and Scholastica as a nun—their love transcended physical distance. According to St. Gregory the Great, when Scholastica prayed for a storm to prolong their time together, God answered her prayer, showing the power of their sibling bond (Dialogues, Book II). Their relationship reminds us that sibling love, grounded in faith, can be a source of spiritual strength.

Another example is Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, brothers who, along with their sister St. Macrina, formed a family dedicated to God. Macrina, often called the “fourth Cappadocian Father,” guided her brothers toward holiness, demonstrating how siblings can protect one another’s souls. As St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote of Macrina, “She was for me a guide to piety, a teacher of life” (Life of Macrina). Their story shows that sibling love is not just emotional but a call to lead each other toward heaven.

The Church Fathers on Fraternal Love

The Church Fathers, reflecting on Scripture, emphasize the importance of familial love, including among siblings. St. Augustine, in his Confessions, speaks of the bonds of family as a reflection of God’s love, urging us to overcome discord through charity. He writes, “Let us love one another, for love is from God” (Sermons, 265), echoing 1 John 4:7. For siblings, this means forgiving disagreements and choosing love over pride.

St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, stresses the duty to protect and care for one another, especially within families. He compares the family to a “domestic church” where love and mutual support are practiced daily (Homily on Ephesians 20). For siblings, this means being each other’s advocate, shielding one another from harm—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

The Beauty and Challenge of Sibling Love

Siblings know each other’s flaws and strengths intimately, which can lead to both conflict and profound connection. Fights over toys, competition for attention, or disagreements about life choices are part of the human experience. Yet, these moments are opportunities to practice the virtues of patience, forgiveness, and humility. As St. Paul writes, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Sibling love calls us to bear with one another’s imperfections and to protect each other, even when it’s hard.

This protective love is not just physical but spiritual. We are called to pray for our siblings, guide them toward truth, and support them in their faith. As St. Peter advises, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). When siblings forgive and protect each other, they reflect God’s mercy and become instruments of His grace.

A Call to Action

In a world that often prioritizes individualism, sibling love is a countercultural witness to the power of community and sacrifice. Whether you’re the older sibling tasked with leading, the younger learning from example, or the middle bridging gaps, your role in your sibling’s life is sacred. Fight the temptation to let rivalry or resentment take root. Instead, choose to love fiercely, forgive generously, and protect faithfully.

Let us take inspiration from Scripture, the saints, and the Church Fathers, striving to live out the words of Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” May we cherish our siblings as gifts from God, loving and protecting them as He loves and protects us.

Prayer for Sibling Love  

Heavenly Father, You have blessed us with the gift of siblings, our companions in life’s journey. Grant us the grace to love one another deeply, to forgive as You forgive, and to protect as You protect. Through the intercession of Sts. Benedict, Scholastica, Basil, Gregory, and Macrina, may our sibling bonds reflect Your eternal love. Amen.

The Holy Family: A Model of Love and Faith

The Holy Family: A Model of Love and Faith

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.  

Joseph was a carpenter by trade and taught Jesus carpentry.  One can take years just meditating on this. Joseph, a mere human male teaching the Word which created the universe how to work and make things out of wood!  This is just amazing to think about.   

At first, Joseph was concerned that Mary had an affair due to her pregnancy. He wanted to secretly dissolve their union. If it wasn't for an angel appearing to him in his dreams, he would have carried through with that plan. This showed that he was a righteous man (Matthew 1: 19-24) in that he did not want Mary to face any harsh punishment as Jewish laws called for at the time. 

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.

This feast day not only highlights the Holy Family but reminds us what a family should be. In today's world where the family is under attack by those who wish to create it in their image; we must look at the Holy Family and renew family life. Mothers should imitate Mary, Fathers should imitate Joseph. Children should imitate Jesus who despite being God was always obedient to His parents. What an image is that right? The Creator is obedient to the created.

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)

The Holy Family: The Archetype of the Genuine Family

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 patron saint of the Church, and rightfully so. Just as he protected Christ, he protects Christ's mystical body the Catholic Church.  Pope Francis named this year the Year of St. Joseph. Let us take this year to focus more on this important man in history.  

Joseph was a carpenter by trade and taught Jesus carpentry.  One can take years just meditating on this. Joseph, a mere human male teaching the Word which created the universe how to work and make things out of wood!  This is just amazing to think about.   

At first, Joseph was concerned that Mary had an affair due to her pregnancy. He wanted to secretly dissolve their union. If it wasn't for an angel appearing to him in his dreams, he would have carried through with that plan. This showed that he was a righteous man (Matthew 1: 19-24) in that he did not want Mary to face any harsh punishment as Jewish laws called for at the time. 

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 prior to 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.

This feast day not only highlights the Holy Family but reminds us what a family should be. In today's world where the family is under attack by those who wish to create it in their image; we must look at the Holy Family and renew family life. Mothers should imitate Mary, Fathers should imitate Joseph. Children should imitate Jesus who despite being God was always obedient to His parents. What an image is that right? The Creator is obedient to the created.

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/123117.cfm

In today's first reading, we have a choice to read from Sirach or Genesis. The reading from Sirach tells us that God is the one who preordains families. He "sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons."  The reading elaborates that children must honor their parents as the Commandments state (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2). Doing so will atone for sin and store up riches in heaven. Respect and obedience to parents is extremely important (Colossians 3:20). We must care for our parents even when they grow older.  Sometimes people like to dump their parents in nursing homes and forget about them.  This is not what God wants (in regards to forgetting them).  He wants us to care for our parents and never forget them (1 Timothy 5:8). In our parents is the image of our Father in heaven (Leviticus 19:32). The reading from Genesis tells us the story of Abram who God made a covenant with him. His name would become "Abraham" which means "father of many nations." He also promised Abraham that his wife Sarah would become pregnant in her sterile state and the son would be named Isaac which means "God laughs." This reading tells us the importance of being a parent.  It is a mandate from God.  God gives men and women this ministry of love, which is how I call it. He blesses couples with children (Psalm 127:3). 

As with the first reading, there are two options. In the first option for the responsorial psalm, we are reminded that those who walk in God's ways will be blessed.  Those of us who follow God's will enjoy the fruit of our hard labor.  Our families will be blessed and our lives will be filled with prosperity.  The second option reminds us that God remembers His promise forever.  God has never broken a promise to man. When He says He is going to do something, He will do it.  Sometimes it may not be right away because our time is not the same for God (2 Peter 3:8). This Psalms tells us how God kept His covenant with Abraham and his descendants

In the second reading, we have three options. Two from Colossians and one from Hebrews. In the first option, we are reminded to be humble and to forgive one another.  We must also admonish one another when we go astray. As Catholics, we must be and live in peace with one another. This fulfills the second great commandment of loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31).  The reading also reminds wives and husbands to give each other of themselves fully in love, mutual respect, and subordination.  They must not be bitter with one another and must remember what is proper with God. Children must also respect their parents. This pleases God.  The reading also warns parents not to provoke children so as to discourage them or make them rebellious.  Communication is necessary for family life. The second option for the second reading is the same as the first but leaves out the instructions for married couples and children.  The third option reminds us of the story of Abraham and how he was faithful. His faith was so great that he suspended the ethical as philosopher Kierkegaard put it in his work "Fear and Trembling."  Abraham put himself over human ethics in order to serve God after God commands him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. How many of us are willing to go that far for God? Abraham is called the "Father of Faith" because of this. This ties in with the Holy Family in that Mary too obeyed in faith and took on the role of being the Theotokos, or God-bearer without knowing what she was getting herself into since many would have suspected her of being unfaithful to Joseph, and we know what happened to women back then who commit adultery (Leviticus 20:10).

Finally, in the Gospel, we also have two options from Luke.  One reading is simply just shorter than the other.  However, both tell the story of the Presentation of the Lord.  Jesus is presented in the Temple as it was customary in the Hebrew faith. While there, the righteous Simeon tells Mary and Joseph that Jesus is the savior who will save the world but will cause the rise and downfall of many. He will be a sign of contradiction and promised Mary that her heart would be pierced with a sword. He did not mean a literal sword but was prophesying the sorrow Mary would feel as she would watch her Son suffer the passion (John 19:26-27). This Gospel tells us of the role the Holy Family played. Both Joseph and Mary prepared Jesus for His ministry by teaching Him the Jewish faith, the dignity of work as a carpenter, and the importance of family life. They are a model for all families. 

Today the family is under attack. Certain agendas want to remodel the family in their own image and this must be stopped. The Holy Family is who we are to look at in order to keep our own families stable and holy.  The family today is under attack. These attacks are demonic in nature. Some believe that Satan is some caricature the Church invented to scare believers or to represent the evil of man. This is not so. We can see in the world today an evil that can only come from outside of the human experience. Ideas such as so-called gay marriage and gender theory which pushes the idea that we can be whatever gender we feel are Satanic in nature. Satan is the father of lies. He wants nothing more than to cause confusion, doubt, and for more people to fall.  We must resist at all cost this ancient enemy. He is attacking the family now more than ever.  We see his tactic is not new. From the very beginning, he attacked the first family Adam and Eve. He fed them lies that were convincing. Today nothing has changed other than the timeline. Satan uses ideas such as gender theory to bring parents to believe a child may not be in his or her "right sex." They go to the extreme of even getting these kids surgically altered. It is disgusting and child abuse!  The family is where the battle is.  We must ask the Holy Family to help protect the family as we are about to start a new year in 2021 in a few days. 2020 has been a tough year for all of us with Covid 19 Coronavirus. We have seen the demonic attack on the Church with the closings that took place.  The Holy Eucharist was attacked. Many of us were denied the Sacraments, even at the death bed. Our faith was labeled as "non-essential." I can go on and on, but you get the point.  This is the spirit of the antichrist in the world exhausting its limited time to attack what threatens its power and goals.  In the Holy Family, we can defeat this spirit by spreading the love of Christ within our family and outwards to the world.  We must push back. At times, we may feel defeated, but remember, Christ already won!  We are already the victors in Christ Jesus.  We have Mary and Joseph pointing us to their son Jesus the Lord.      

Let us pray to the Holy Family to help all families of today rediscover family life. Divorce has to disappear. Children must not suffer from having access to only one parent. So-called "same-sex" unions must be dissolved and the family must be respected as naturally composed of one man, one woman, and child(ren). Children must not be avoided or treated as a commodity. They should also respect their parents and elders.  The Holy Family is the archetype of the genuine human family. They are the model which we must follow.  

O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PLEASE DONATE:

We need funds to help pay for our domain bills and other expenses.  You are important to us and your support is needed.  Please donate via the Pay Pal button on this site or at our GoFundMe www.Gofundme.com/sacerdotus.  Consider being a patron by donating monthly on www.patreon.com/sacerdotus.  You can also purchase things on our online store www.teespring.com/sacerdotus-store. We count on you and God will reward you.

The Holy Family: A Model For Us All

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 patron saint of the Church, and rightfully so. Just as he protected Christ, he protects Christ's mystical body the Catholic Church.

Joseph was a carpenter by trade and taught Jesus carpentry. At first, Joseph was concerned that Mary had an affair due to her pregnancy. He wanted to secretly dissolve their union. If it wasn't for an angel appearing to him in his dreams, he would have carried through with that plan. This showed that he was a righteous man (Matthew 1: 19-24) in that he did not want Mary to face any harsh punishment as Jewish laws called for at the time. 

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 prior to 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.

This feast day not only highlights the Holy Family but reminds us what a family should be. In today's world where the family is under attack by those who wish to create it in their image; we must look at the Holy Family and renew family life. Mothers should imitate Mary, Fathers should imitate Joseph. Children should imitate Jesus who despite being God was always obedient to His parents. What an image is that right? The Creator is obedient to the created.

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/123117.cfm

In today's first reading, we have a choice to read from Sirach or Genesis. The reading from Sirach tells us that God is the one who preordains families. He "sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons."  The reading elaborates that children must honor their parents as the Commandments state (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2). Doing so will atone for sin and store up riches in heaven. Respect and obedience to parents are extremely important (Colossians 3:20). We must care for our parents even when they grow older.  Sometimes people like to dump their parents in nursing homes and forget about them.  This is not what God wants (in regards to forgetting them).  He wants us to care for our parents and never forget them (1 Timothy 5:8). In our parents is the image of our Father in heaven (Leviticus 19:32). The reading from Genesis tells us the story of Abram who God made a covenant with him. His name would become "Abraham" which means "father of many nations." He also promised Abraham that his wife Sarah would become pregnant in her sterile state and the son would be named Isaac which means "God laughs." This reading tells us the importance of being a parent.  It is a mandate from God.  God gives men and women this ministry of love, which is how I call it. He blesses couples with children (Psalm 127:3). 

As with the first reading, there are two options. In the first option for the responsorial psalm, we are reminded that those who walk in God's ways will be blessed.  Those of us who follow God's will enjoy the fruit of our hard labor.  Our families will be blessed and our lives will be filled with prosperity.  The second option reminds us that God remembers His promise forever.  God has never broken a promise to man. When He says He is going to do something, He will do it.  Sometimes it may not be right away because our time is not the same for God (2 Peter 3:8). This Psalms tells us how God kept His covenant with Abraham and his descendants

In the second reading, we have three options. Two from Colossians and one from Hebrews. In the first option, we are reminded to be humble and to forgive one another.  We must also admonish one another when we go astray. As Catholics, we must be and live in peace with one another. This fulfills the second great commandment of loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31).  The reading also reminds wives and husbands to give each other of themselves fully in love, mutual respect, and subordination.  They must not be bitter with one another and must remember what is proper with God. Children must also respect their parents. This pleases God.  The reading also warns parents not to provoke children so as to discourage them or make them rebellious.  Communication is necessary for family life. The second option for the second reading is the same as the first but leaves out the instructions for married couples and children.  The third option reminds us of the story of Abraham and how he was faithful. His faith was so great that he suspended the ethical as philosopher Kierkegaard put it in his work "Fear and Trembling."  Abraham put himself over human ethics in order to serve God after God commands him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. How many of us are willing to go that far for God? Abraham is called the "Father of Faith" because of this. This ties in with the Holy Family in that Mary too obeyed in faith and took on the role of being the Theotokos, or God-bearer without knowing what she was getting herself into since many would have suspected her of being unfaithful to Joseph, and we know what happened to women back then who commit adultery (Leviticus 20:10).

Finally, in the Gospel, we also have two options from Luke.  One reading is simply just shorter than the other.  However, both tell the story of the Presentation of the Lord.  Jesus is presented in the Temple as it was customary in the Hebrew faith. While there, the righteous Simeon tells Mary and Joseph that Jesus is the savior who will save the world but will cause the rise and downfall of many. He will be a sign of contradiction and promised Mary that her heart would be pierced with a sword. He did not mean a literal sword but was prophesying the sorrow Mary would feel as she would watch her Son suffer the passion (John 19:26-27). This Gospel tells us of the role the Holy Family played. Both Joseph and Mary prepared Jesus for His ministry by teaching Him the Jewish faith, the dignity of work as a carpenter, and the importance of family life. They are a model for all families. Today the family is under attack. Certain agendas want to remodel the family in their own image and this must be stopped. The Holy Family is who we are to look at in order to keep our own families stable and holy.  The family today is under attack. These attacks are demonic in nature. Some believe that Satan is some caricature the Church invented to scare believers or to represent the evil of man. This is not so. We can see in the world today an evil that can only come from outside of the human experience. Ideas such as so-called gay marriage and gender theory which pushes the idea that we can be whatever gender we feel are Satanic in nature. Satan is the father of lies. He wants nothing more than to cause confusion, doubt, and for more people to fall.  We must resist at all cost this ancient enemy. He is attacking the family now more than ever.  We see his tactic is not new. From the very beginning, he attacked the first family Adam and Eve. He fed them lies that were convincing. Today nothing has changed other than the timeline. Satan uses ideas such as gender theory to bring parents to believe a child may not be in his or her "right sex." They go to the extreme of even getting these kids surgically altered. It is disgusting and child abuse!  The family is where the battle is.  We must ask the Holy Family to help protect the family as we are about to start a new year in 2018 in a few hours.     

Let us pray to the Holy Family to help all families of today rediscover family life. Divorce has to disappear. Children must not suffer from having access to only one parent. So-called "same-sex" unions must be dissolved and the family must be respected as naturally composed of one man, one woman, and child(ren). Children must not be avoided or treated as a commodity. They should also respect their parents and elders. 

O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PLEASE DONATE:

We need funds to help pay for our domain bills and other expenses.  You are important to us and your support is needed.  Please donate via the Pay Pal button on this site or at our GoFundMe www.Gofundme.com/sacerdotus.  Consider being a patron by donating as often as you can.  We count on you and God will reward you.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

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 patron saint of the Church, and rightfully so. Just as he protected Christ, he protects Christ's mystical body the Catholic Church.

Joseph was a carpenter by trade and taught Jesus carpentry. At first, Joseph was concerned that Mary had an affair due to her pregnancy. He wanted to secretly dissolve their union. If it wasn't for an angel appearing to him in his dreams, he would have carried through with that plan. This showed that he was a righteous man (Matthew 1: 19-24) in that he did not want Mary to face any harsh punishment as Jewish laws called for at the time. 

Mary as we know, was a virgin prior to bearing Jesus and remained a virgin afterwards. 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 prior to 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.

This feast day not only highlights the Holy Family, but reminds us what a family should be. In today's world where the family is under attack by those who wish to create it in their image; we must look at the Holy Family and renew family life. Mothers should imitate Mary, Fathers should imitate Joseph. Children should imitate Jesus who despite being God was always obedient to His parents. What an image is that right? The Creator obedient to the created.

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122814.cfm

In today's first reading, we have a choice to read from Sirach or Genesis. The reading from Sirach tells us that God is the one who preordains families. He "sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons."  The reading elaborates that children must honor their parents as the Commandments state (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2). Doing so will atone for sin and store up riches in heaven. Respect and obedience to parents is extremely important (Colossians 3:20). We must care for our parents even when they grow older.  Sometime people like to dump their parents in nursing homes and forget about them.  This is not what God wants (in regards to forgetting them).  He wants us to care for our parents and never forget them (1 Timothy 5:8). In our parents is the image of our Father in heaven (Leviticus 19:32). The reading from Genesis tells us the story of Abram who God made a covenant with him. His name would become "Abraham" which means "father of many nations." He also promised Abraham that his wife Sarah would become pregnant in her sterile state and the son would be named Isaac which means "God laughs." This reading tells us the importance of being a parent.  It is a mandate from God.  God gives men and women this ministry of love, which is how I call it. He blesses couples with children (Psalm 127:3). 

As with the first reading, there are two options. In the first option for the responsorial psalm, we are reminded that those who walk in God's ways will be blessed.  Those of us who follow God's will enjoy the fruit of our hard labor.  Our families will be blessed and our lives will be filled with prosperity.  The second option reminds us that God remembers His promise forever.  God has never broken a promise to man. When He says He is going to do something, He will do it.  Sometimes it may not be right away because our time is not the same for God (2 Peter 3:8). This Psalms tells us how God kept His covenant with Abraham and his descendants

In the second reading, we have three options. Two from Colossians and one from Hebrews. In the first option, we are reminded to be humble and to forgive one another.  We must also admonish one another when we go astray. As Catholics, we must be and live in peace with one another. This fulfills the second great commandment of loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31).  The reading also reminds wives and husbands to give each other of themselves fully in love, mutual respect and subordination.  They must not be bitter with one another and must remember what is proper with God. Children must also respect their parents. This pleases God.  The reading also warns parents not to provoke children so as to discourage them or make them rebellious.  Communication is necessary in family life. The second option for the second reading is the same as the first, but leaves out the instructions for married couples and children.  The third option reminds us of the story of Abraham and how he was faithful. His faith was so great that he suspended the ethical as philosopher Kierkegaard put it in his work "Fear and Trembling."  Abraham put himself over human ethics in order to serve God after God commands him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. How many of us are willing to go that far for God? Abraham is called the "Father of Faith" because of this. This ties in with the Holy Family in that Mary too obeyed in faith and took on the role of being the Theotokos, or God-bearer without knowing what she was getting herself into since many would have suspected her of being unfaithful to Joseph, and we know what happened to women back then who commit adultery (Leviticus 20:10).

Finally in the Gospel, we also have two options from Luke.  One reading is simply just shorter than the other.  However, both tell the story of the Presentation of the Lord.  Jesus is presented in the Temple as it was customary in the Hebrew faith. While there, the righteous Simeon tells Mary and Joseph that Jesus is the savior who will save the world but will cause the rise and downfall of many. He will be a sign of contradiction and promised Mary that her heart would be pierced with a sword. He did not mean a literal sword, but was prophesying the sorrow Mary would feel as she would watch her Son suffer the passion (John 19:26-27). This Gospel tells us of the role the Holy Family played. Both Joseph and Mary prepared Jesus for His ministry by teaching Him the Jewish faith, the dignity of work as a carpenter, and the importance of family life. They are a model for all families. Today the family  is under attack. Certain agendas want to remodel the family in their own image and this must be stopped. The Holy Family is whom we are to look at in order to keep our own families stable and holy.   

Let us pray to the Holy Family to help all families of today rediscover family life. Divorce has to disappear. Children must not suffer having access to only one parent. So-called "same sex" unions must be dissolved and the family must be respected as naturally composed of one man, one woman and child(ren). Children must not be avoided or treated as a commodity. They should also respect their parents and elders. 

O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

The Holy Family

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 patron saint of the Church, and rightfully so.  Just as he protected Christ, he protects Christ's mystical body the Catholic Church.

Joseph was a carpenter by trade and taught Jesus carpentry.  At first, Joseph was concerned that Mary had an affair due to her pregnancy.  He wanted to secretly dissolve their union.  If it wasn't for an angel appearing to him in his dreams, he would have carry through with that plan.  This showed that he was a righteous man. (Matthew 1: 19-24)

Mary as we know, was a virgin prior to bearing Jesus and remained a virgin afterwards.  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 prior to 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 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.  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 parents 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.

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.

This feast day not only highlights the Holy Family, but reminds us what a family should be.  In today's world where the family is under attack by those who wish to create it in their image; we must look at the Holy Family and renew family life.   Mothers should imitate Mary, Fathers should imitate Joseph.  Children should imitate Jesus who despite being God was always obedient to His parents.  What an image is that right?  The Creator obedient to the created.

Let us pray to the Holy Family to help all families of today rediscover family life.  Divorce has to disappear.  Children must not suffer having access to only one parent.  So-called "same sex" unions must be dissolved and the family must be respected as naturally composed of man, woman and child(ren).  Children must not be avoided or treated as a commodity.  They should also respect their parents and elders.

O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.