Feast of the Holy Family

December 30, 2022
Author: Hannah DeVivo

Peace be with you!

Today, December 30^th, is the Feast of the Holy Family.

The Holy Family

The Holy Family is comprised of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They are a beautiful example of what God wants for all of us. Each of them had a different role to bring love and blessing into the family.

Joseph was a hard-working and gentle man. He put his family first and sacrificed for them. As a carpenter, he worked to provide for them and keep them safe. He was given the important task of not only leading the family, but protecting and teaching them. He was Jesus’ example of the good and incredible things that a human man was capable of.

Mary was also hard-working and gentle, of a different nature. She served her family by giving them tender care, feeding them, and keeping their home clean and inviting. She brought the blessings that were unique to her feminine nature. She was tasked with the responsibility of showing Jesus kindness, obedience, humility, and how to serve in a joyful way.

Before Jesus began His ministry, He was a loving and obedient child. He served His father and mother with an understanding that they were doing what they judged to be best. Even as He grew in wisdom, He never stopped being their child. We learn from the Wedding in Cana that although Jesus had not yet intended to perform miracles, when His mother asked one from Him, He granted her request. Although fully divine, Jesus submitted in love to His earthly parents, which shows us how important it is to honor our father and mother.

We know that Jesus was perfect and Mary was preserved from original sin. As a child, it was difficult for me to view them as good example, since I knew I would never be perfect like they were. It was Saint Joseph who gently brought me to the Holy Family. He was an imperfect man striving for holiness and falling short. He struggled with temptation, made mistakes, yet was surrounded by the love of God. Despite his shortcomings, he was chosen to do great things and played a magnificent role in the salvation of souls.

The Family Unit

The First Reading for today says: “For the Lord honored the father above the children, and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and whoever glorifies his mother is like one who lays up treasure. Whoever honors his father will be gladdened by his own children, and when he prays he will be heard. Whoever glorifies his father will have long life, and whoever obeys the Lord will refresh his mother; he will serve his parents as his masters. O son, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives; even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance; in all your strength do not despise him. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and against your sins it will be credited to you” -Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14

The Bible teaches us time and again the importance of the roles in a family. Parents are to guide and teach in love. Children are to respect and serve their parents. God gives us these commands for our own good and, by extension, the good of the civilization that we live in. The family unit is a smaller example of the Church itself, as is pointed out in the Second Vatican Council. “Finally, Christian spouses, in virtue of the sacrament of Matrimony, whereby they signify and partake of the mystery of that unity and fruitful love which exists between Christ and His Church, help each other to attain to holiness in their married life and in the rearing and education of their children. By reason of their state and rank in life they have their own special gift among the people of God.” -Lumen Gentium Chapter 2, paragraph 11.

Parental Spiritual Authority

God works through authority. He has given spiritual power to parents over their children. We can and should use this power to bless them. If you don’t already, I encourage you to make a habit of praying over your children, blessing them with holy water, and speaking words of life into them. When we pray in the name of Jesus Christ over our children, the power of God works through us and banishes the darkness. Jesus is Lord!

If you are in need of Holy water fonts, visit here!!

Before You Go

What familial role do you find yourself in during this season of your life?

Do you find it difficult to perform certain aspects of the role that God is calling you to?

Did you learn anything new in this article?

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