Liturgy of the Word:

Sir. 3:2-7, 12-14;

Ps. 128:1-2, 3, 4-5;

Col. 3:12-21 or 3:12-17;

Mt. 2:13-15, 19-23.

Some Notes on the Feast of the Holy Family

The Feast is normally celebrated on the Sunday between Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (1 January). Devotion to the Holy Family began in New France (Canada) in the 17th century. In 1921, the feast of the Holy Family was formally instituted under Pope Benedict XV and was inserted into the liturgical calendar.

At first, it was celebrated on the Sunday after Epiphany. It was transferred to its present date in 1969. The feast portrays the Holy Family of Nazareth as the true model of family life. This unique family forms a small Trinity of mutual love, an image on earth of the Holy Trinity in heaven.

We know little about the life of the Holy Family. Mary was young maiden of about 14-15 years old, when betrothal would customarily take place. Joseph was a descendant of King David and was known as a carpenter. He presumably passed away before Jesus began his public ministry. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke speak briefly of the early years of the Holy Family.

The Holy Family began in Bethlehem in poverty and rejection. They did not stay long in Bethlehem, as Mary and the Child had to present themselves in the temple to fulfill the law. He was 12 years old at the finding in the temple. Nothing more is said about the Holy Family after this event. The Holy Family lived a “hidden life” in Nazareth. There, Jesus learned carpentry from Joseph. He grew in wisdom and knowledge, learned generosity and kindness, and how to pray — all in the care of Mary and Joseph, as Jesus remained obedient to them.

1st Reading, Sir. 3:2-7, 12-14. Responsibilities of children. “The Lord sets a father in honor over his children and confirms a mother’s authority over her sons” (v. 3). Those who honor and respect their parents will receive many blessings: atonement for sins and riches (vv. 3-4); joy in their children, prayers that are heard, and a long life (vv. 5-6).

“Those who fear the Lord honor their father, and serve their parents as masters” (v. 7). “My son, be steadfast in honoring your father; do not grieve him as long as he lives. Even if his mind fails, be considerate to him; do not revile him because you are in your prime. Kindness to a father will not be forgotten; it will serve as a sin offering — it will take lasting root” (vv. 12-14).

Resp Ps. 128:1-2, 3, 4-5. “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, and who walk in his ways” (v. 1). Your work will prosper, your wife (“a fruitful vine”) will be blessed with children who dine at your table (vv. 2-4). “May you see Jerusalem’s prosperity all the days of your life” (v. 5).

2nd Reading, Col. 3:12-21 or 3:12-17. Paul exhorts the Colossians. Because you are “God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved”: be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient; bear with one another, forgive one another, as the Lord has forgiven you (vv. 12-13).

“And over all these, put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.... Let the peace of Christ control your hearts” (vv. 14-15). “Let the word of God dwell in you richly.... in all wisdom teach and admonish one another” (v. 16). “Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (v. 17).

Gospel, Mt. 2:

13-15, 19-23. When the Magi had departed, an angel told Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt, for Herod was seeking to destroy the Child (v. 13). So, Joseph Mary and the Child fled by night to Egypt, fulfilling the prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my son” (vv. 14-15; see Hos. 11:1). When Herod died, an angel again told Joseph in a dream to return to Israel, because “those who sought the child’s life are dead” (vv. 19-20).

But when Joseph learned that Archelaus had succeeded his father, Herod, in Israel, he took his family to Nazareth in Galilee, thus fulfilling the prophecy, “He shall be called a Nazorean” (vv. 21-23; this quote does not seem to be in any Old Testament prophecies).

The future rejection of Jesus by Israel and his acceptance by the Gentiles are retrojected into the Gospel narrative. In a way, the Holy Family is also reliving the Exodus experience of Israel in Egypt.

Today the Filipino family is beset with many threats. New forms of family that contradict moral norms are being legally recognized. Foreign work is breaking up families. Thousands of families are made homeless by natural disasters and corruption. With the Holy Family, let us pray for a brighter future for Filipino families.

Prayer — O God, our Father, help us to live as the Holy Family, united in respect and love. Bring us to the joy and peace of your eternal home. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ your Son and our Lord. Amen.