Feast of the Holy Family
On this Feast of the Holy Family, we reflect on the tensions of human struggle — in our own families and in the family of humanity. May we be faithful to each other, acknowledging the sacredness of every person.
To the point: Joseph, in this Gospel, clearly acts as the father of the family. To him is given the revelation that danger is at hand and they must flee to Egypt. To him is given the further revelation that it is safe to return to their homeland. Whether going or coming Joseph is attentive to both the needs of his family and the overtures of God’s Presence and guidance. He is head of the Holy Family: one in which the members discern God’s will, risk change for each other’s growth and good, and are united in fidelity to God and each other. This feast calls us to be this same kind of holy family.
Connecting the Gospel (Matthew 2:13-15) to the first and second readings: What does it mean to be holy? The First Reading suggests concrete behaviors that a holy family exhibits: honoring, respecting, obeying one’s parents. Paul also suggests behaviors for the holy family of the church: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness.
Connecting the Gospel to our experience: Holiness is not a goody-goody, otherworldly mode of living. Rather, it is a realistic engagement in life—in the difficulties, struggles, and tensions of human life and relating — that always reflects fidelity to God’s will.
Centering prayers
The Gospel
(Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23)
“This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord
through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’”
The Hebrews long ago, eons, were led out of exile
into Egypt. Joseph and Mary, off to Egypt
and then back again, a salient dream, then another.
Refugees escaping at night with the babe.
Jesus, did your father give you to us as our brother
to rescue us from exile of sin and death?
Our Brother, Our Father, Our Holy Family.
In our exile you bring such love to us, more than we can bear!
The First Reading
(Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14)
Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children.
Dear Lord, your love spreads. It is catching.
Your love starts from you, touches a mother here,
passes along to a father there
and gladdens its way into children’s hearts.
Whenever love settles, it heals,
makes miracles, then returns us to you.
Let us let into your affection, and make family,
in kindness, and in love.
The Second Reading
(Colossians 3:12-21)
And over all these put on love … Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
Christ, how greatly we desire to put on love,
like clothes we wear, like the skin we dwell in.
Peace, heart’s yearning, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience. Let these dwell in us richly.
Let the peace of Christ guide our hearts for all time.
Copyright © 2019, Anne M. Osdieck
Music for reflection