*Note: There are multiple options in the lectionary for the 1st and 2nd readings for the Feast of the Holy Family. These reflections correspond with the 2nd and 3rd options for the 1st and 2nd readings, respectively. They may not be the same passages that will be read at Mass since the celebrant may choose from the options.
First Reading: Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3
Reflection:
In this important Old Testament passage, Abram was elderly and childless. His wife Sarah was, in fact, barren. The irony of this becomes evident when we recognize that the name Abram means “exalted father.” What is more, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “father of many,” which would again seem ironic. Yet, God promised that Abraham would live up to his name. In this passage, we see Abraham complaining to God about being childless, lamenting that his servant will have to be his heir. Still, God promises Abraham not only a child but that his descendants will be as many as the stars in the sky. If we read the context of this passage we, interestingly, come to see that God took Abraham outside to “Look up at the sky and count the stars” during the daytime when no stars could be seen. Abraham had to believe that the stars were there even though he couldn’t see them. In a similar way, God was calling Abraham to believe in what appeared invisible at that time. He was calling Abraham to have faith that even though he couldn’t see how it would be possible for he and Sarah to have a child that nothing is impossible with God. Abraham did, in fact, trust in God’s promise and, as a result, he and Sarah miraculously were able to have the promised son, Isaac, and many descendants thereafter.
Second Reading: Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19
Reflection:
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. You may wonder, then, why the first two readings are about Abraham. This is because the entire story of salvation recorded in the Bible and continued on to this day in the Church is truly about family. The story of salvation is about God’s family, His people. We see in the Old Testament that God was building a people for Himself, the Israelites. The people of Israel began, in a sense, with Abraham and Sarah. God’s promise to give Abraham many descendants was fulfilled and the nation of Israel came to fruition as a result. Thus, all Israelites (i.e. Jews) are descendants of Abraham through Isaac. These were the people God chose and blessed as a result of Abraham’s great faith that we hear applauded in this passage from Hebrews. But what about us? If we’re not Abraham’s direct, physical descendants, can we still be a part of the family of God? Yes! We are, in fact, Abraham’s spiritual descendants by faith and baptism. We hold the same faith in God as Abraham had, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Let us, therefore, be thankful to be in God’s family and strive to live as faithful children of God, emulating the trust Abraham had in God.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40
Reflection:
This Sunday’s Gospel reading recounts the Presentation of the Lord by Mary and Joseph in the Temple. This occurred 40 days after Jesus’ birth, as was the Jewish custom. 40 days was the period prescribed by the Law of Moses for the purification of a woman after she gave birth. Church tradition holds that, due to her Immaculate Conception, Mary had no need of being purified. Yet, she and Joseph still submitted themselves to the Law of Moses out of their great humility. Their visit to the Temple was also in line with the Mosaic Law’s command to present the first-born son to God at the Temple. Mary and Joseph followed these commands and presented the very Son of God to the Father. The encounters with Simeon and Anna make evident the uniqueness of Jesus. Simeon’s words, in particular, serve to reveal Jesus’ mission as the Messiah and Savior of the world. They are also prophetic regarding Mary’s role. Simeon prophesies that “a sword will pierce” Mary, which has been interpreted as referring to the great suffering Mary would experience through watching her son’s agonizing crucifixion. Thus, Simeon foresaw Jesus’ act of redemption on the cross. We learn from the Holy Family and follow their example of faithfulness, even in the midst of suffering.
Application:
- Take time this week to thank God for your family, pray for them, and then tell your family members (parents, children, spouse, siblings, etc.) something you appreciate about them.
- Reflect on the Holy Family. What can you learn from them to apply in your own family life?
