strengthen the family
december 29, 2024 | feast of the holy family, Year C
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 84; Col. 3:12-21; Luke 2:41-52
After every Christmas, the Holy Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family. On this feast, we reflect on the values that strengthen the family as the domestic church. Jesus, Mary and Joseph are given to our world as examples.
Respect for Parents
Jesus set an example of obedience to Mary and Joseph. In today’s Gospel, he returned to Nazareth and was obedient to them. (Cf Luke 2:51). The Feast of the Holy Family brings to our attention the love and respect of parents, which seems to lose its vigor and importance in our actual society. According to the Book of Sirach 3:2-6, honoring and respecting our parents is God’s commandment. Valuing our parent’s wisdom and guidance is a sign of love. It builds up a strong family foundation which is rooted in God's commandment. “Those who honour their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pray they will be heard”.
Love and Unity
According to today’s second reading, Colossians 3:12-14, the family is a place where members learn compassion, forgiveness, kindness, humility and patience. It teaches us about love and unity within the family. These virtues help maintain harmony and love within the family. Love is what holds a family together and fosters unity. It helps family members support each other through good times and bad. This creates happy and united families, where every individual plays his role. The happiness in the family could be sustained through prayer and discernment of God’s will.
We have our room in God’s Family
In the time of Jesus, family included the extended family. The Bible frequently speaks of the “House of David.” (Isaiah 22:22; Psalm 122:5; Amos 9:1; 2 Samuel 7:18). The head of the house represents the immediate family, the dynasty and the future lineage, including people who are not related by blood but who could become family through a covenant relationship. Today’s feast reminds us of our place in God’s family. We all belong to the Family of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We belong to the family of God, the Church, which is the Family of families.
Prayer
Lord, help us to honor and respect our parents. Guide us to love and unite our families. Show us our place in your family. Make our families one heart, full of love in the heart of Jesus through Mary and Joseph. Amen.
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC
Living The Gospel this week : Honour and respect for Parents. Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14.
On this feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I suggest you read this passage of the Book of Sirach if possible with your family.
“For the Lord honors a father above his children, and he confirms a mother’s right over her children. Those who honor their father atone for sins, and those who respect their mother are like those who lay up treasure. Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children,
and when they pray they will be heard. Those who respect their father will have long life,
and those who honor their mother obey the Lord; My child, help your father in his old age,
and do not grieve him as long as he lives; even if his mind fails, be patient with him; because you have all your faculties do not despise him. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and will be credited to you against your sins”.
“Parents are the primary educators of their children. Children should then honor their parents” (Saint John Paul II)
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC