First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Reflection:

Appropriately for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the first reading emphasizes mutual respect of parents for children and children for their parents. In keeping with the fourth commandment to “Honor your father and your mother,” the author of Sirach (who was the wise sage Ben Sira of Jerusalem) exhorts children to honor their parents. This responsibility is lifelong, including caring for parents when they are old. In a society today that often neglects the elderly, this passage offers a good reminder for us to care for and respect our elders. They should not be forgotten or disregarded. Ben Sira explains that honoring our parents results in blessings in life and can even “atone for sin.” In other words, it is part of walking in the path of God to honor one’s parents. Certainly, Jesus obeyed these commandments and honored Mary and Joseph. Let us follow in His footsteps and honor our parents (and grandparents), too.

Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21

Reflection:

In this rich text from his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul encourages us to live virtuous lives. As Christians who have experienced the forgiveness offered by Christ, we are to forgive others. The call to be virtuous and to forgive others is summed up in the call to love. Love is the greatest of the virtues and “the bond of perfection.” In fact, to love God and love our neighbor are the two greatest commandments given by Christ. The Christian life, therefore, is all about love. Yet, love can be hard work. The key is: “whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This is a good litmus test for the Christian life. Invite Jesus into everything you do, no matter how small or large. He wants to be a part of everything in order to help you love and grow in virtue. On this Feast of the Holy Family, it is especially fitting to welcome Christ into our families. Paul calls for husbands and wives to love and respect one another in Christ, and for children to obey their parents. All the virtues Paul exhorts Christians to put into practice can be challenging, especially in family life, but with God’s help, by putting Christ at the center of our lives, it is possible.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Reflection:

Matthew’s account of the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt and return is full of Old Testament imagery. In this passage, the Lord guides Joseph, as the leader of the family, through dreams to know how to protect and guide his family. That God spoke to Joseph through dreams is reminiscent of the Old Testament figure of Joseph who also heard God’s voice through dreams and ended up in Egypt as a result. Furthermore, the flight to Egypt connects Jesus to Moses. Like Moses, Jesus was spared from a slaughtering of infants by a tyrannical ruler (Herod the Great in the case of Jesus and Pharaoh in the case of Moses). Also, just like Moses came out of Egypt, Jesus came out of Egypt. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. Jesus came to lead His people out of sin and into the Promised Land of heaven. Thus, Jesus is the New Moses, bringing to fulfillment what the Old Testament character began.

Application:

  • Take time this week to thank God for your family, pray for them, and then tell your family members (parents, children, spouses, siblings, etc.) something you appreciate about them.
  • What virtue in the Second Reading do you need to especially work on? Commit to asking God for help in that area and putting in effort to grow in that virtue. Consider making growth in a particular virtue or two one of your New Year’s resolutions.