December 30, 2018 — Feast of the Holy Family
SIR 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 SM 1: 20,22, 24-28; PS 128: 1-5 or PS 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; COL 3:12-21 or COL 3: 12-17; or 1 JN 3:1-2, 21-24; LK 2:41-52
The Holy Family experienced many of the same joys and trials that all parents and children experience today. And, so, we can look to this Family for help in our own family lives and see in them a model of stewardship in family life.
The Gospel passage from Luke starts by telling us something about Jesus’ parents: “Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom.” This Family took seriously the stewardship of their time. The “Holy Couple” carefully observed the traditions and practice of their Jewish faith and brought up their Son to do the same. They worshiped as a family, and with their faith community. And they did so faithfully.
We can take their example to heart by making Sunday Mass attendance a priority for our families, by making prayer with our family a priority every day, by making sure that we regularly celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and by observing in our family life the feasts and fasts appropriate to the liturgical calendar. When we, as families, prioritize our Time with God and worship of Him we will be imitating the Holy Family.
On this Feast of the Holy Family, let us reclaim the beauty and importance of family life. Let’s commit to steward our families well in 2019, making time spent with God and practicing our faith the most important appointments on our family calendars.
