The Holy Family our Model

Sirach 3:2-6.12-14, Col. 3:12-21, Lk 22, 22-40. On this Sunday after Christmas and the last Sunday of the year, we celebrate the Holy Family of Nazareth as the model of every true Christian Family. The Holy Family is true model of family as the parents worked hard, helped each other, understood and accepted each other. They took good care of their child so that He might grow up in knowledge of God. Today's first reading explicitly outlines the three different components of a family: father, mother and children. It equally outlines the position of each member in relation to one another: “The Lord honours the father in his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.” In today’s second reading, Paul reminds us of the Christian virtues that are very important to sustain our families.

Each member of the family must strive to acquire them: compassion, kindness, patience and forgiveness towards every member of our family. Most importantly, Paul says: “Put on love and let the peace of Christ control your hearts.” Today’s Gospel also presents us with the characteristics of a good family: Prayer and unity of purpose. Together, Mary and Joseph took their Son Jesus to the Temple to be consecrated. Mary and Joseph also suffered the awful experience of losing Jesus for three days when He was twelve years old and the only satisfaction they got from Him was that He had to be about His Father’s business. This is a very important virtue to emulate from them especially in our world where individualism has done a great harm to our family relations. Prayer and unity sustain and help our families especially, during difficult moments in life. Love for each other and God, kept the Holy Family together and sane throughout their trials. Jesus’ love for Mary and Mary’s love for Jesus and the love of both of them for God the Father.

May the Lord help our families to conquer all difficulties through love for each other and faith in God! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!