Focus on Family
Reflections on the readings for The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: SIR 3:2-6, 12-14, or GN 15:1-6, 21:1-3; PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, or PS 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; COL 3:12-21, or COL 3:12-17, or HEB 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; LK 2:22-40, or LK 2:22, 39-40
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today, as we end one year and anticipate the next, we take this time to revere the Holy Family. In the Gospel, we find the three at the temple in Jerusalem for the presentation of the Infant Jesus. There they met the wise and faithful Simeon who told Mary: “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” (Luke 2:34-35). This Child was the Messiah who came to save His people. And He did so as a member of a good, loving, and devout family.
In the Holy Family we find a model for today’s households. Joseph, husband of Mary and guardian of Jesus, put their care and welfare first. He did the will of the Heavenly Father by protecting and providing for his family. Mary, Mother of our Redeemer, gave herself completely to raising her son and the Son of God as a good Man. And Jesus became more prepared day by day for the time when He would reveal Himself to the world. They loved and supported each other – just as families do now. Let us ask the Holy Family to help families be kind, strong, and loyal.
