FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH DECEMBER 30, 2022

MASS READINGS:

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

REFLECTION

He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

My best friend was the youngest of eight children. Her family had a bigger home and when each child brought a friend over, well, you can imagine the joyous chaos and laughter . Many an afternoon after school did I spend there. Every room had a religious statue, they prayed the Angelus and said grace before meals. At night they would gather to say the Rosary.

I was honored that I had a glimpse what her family life was like.

Each year the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. We celebrate their lives together, seek them out as examples of family living and they are an example of a holy family.

We ponder what life was like in their home. Did they pray at certain times, laugh, cry, get sick, or how was their family life like or structured ? Were Mary's meals shared with their friends? Did Jesus help ? Did he have friends over?

We do know there was love, respect and unselfishness. Jesus was at the core of the family. God's Will was always done. Any difficulties were received from the hand that held them. Complete trust in the Lord was present in their humble abode.

They had problems, tensions and hardships. They dealt with these as best as they humanly could and they remained faithful. Peace and joy were present They followed the commandments and loved each other. St Joseph, being the only one who was born with original sin, dealt with his human weaknesses. However, living with Mary and Jesus we can imagine family life as being nothing but holy.

Let's make our homes as perfect as possible following the Ten Commandments, reading the Bible and learning about the Word of God. No complaining but bearing peacefully, seeking God amid the fray, and doing the Will of God joyfully.

"in whatever state each was called,

there let him remain with God"

(1 Cor. 7:24)

Merry Christmas

God bless you