The Adoration of the Shepherds, Durante Alberti (1538-1613), Chiesa Nuova, Rome. The photo is my own.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph knew blessings and burdens as they faced the ups and downs of life. Their example inspires us to engage our faith as we live within the context of our families today.
Here are some of the themes that we find in the Mass readings for the feast of the Holy Family.
1st Reading – Sirach 3:2-7,12-14
God sets a mother and father in authority over their children.
God exhorts children to honor their parents, when they are frail and elderly.
Psalm 128:1-5
“Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”
Those who follow the Lord will have prosperity at work and at home.
2nd Reading – Colossians 3:12-21
With grateful hearts we put on virtue in all our dealings with the people we meet.
Within the family, husbands, wives, and children honor and respect one another.
Gospel – Luke 2:22-40
Joseph and Mary present Jesus in the Temple, where they encounter Simeon and Anna, who give praise to God for the child and prophesy that he will bring salvation to the people.
The readings on this 20th Week of the Year reveal God’s providence to foreigners, Gentiles, and people of different cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds. As members of this vast family, may we foster ties of community and friendship as we shine with the light of faith in the world.
Paul concludes his farewell to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus, and the response from the group reveals how one life can make a profound difference in the hearts of many.
As the Jesus addresses the people in his native place of Nazareth, we discover the challenge and opportunity of living our faith among people who believe that they know us best.
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