Family is Forever

   

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

29 December 2024

 

First Reading: Sir 3:2-6,12-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Col 3:12-21

Gospel: Lk 2:4

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madriñan

 

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I believe the readings for today are one of the most beautiful sets for families with full instruction and guidance on how to live according to the will of God.

"Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,

as is proper to the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives,

and avoid any bitterness toward them.

Children, obey your parents in everything,

for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children,

so they may not become discouraged (Colossians 3:18-21)."

But even these teachings get misinterpreted. Wives are forced to follow their husbands leaving the women without the voice in decision making. Husbands define love differently. Children sometimes obey their parents even when it is wronf or against their will. And fathers provoke their children and call it discipline.

But there is yet another instruction and it says, "Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another (Colossians 3:12-13). "

God probably knew that families are not perfect so we need to be guided with humility and forgiveness.

It is also fitting that we are celebrating the feast of the Holy Family this Christmas as it is the season for families to be together. Looking back, the moments that I took for granted when I was younger are the best memories after all. Because today, no matter how festive or extravagant our celebrations get, there will always be empty chairs. My brother and father can no longer be with us.

This is why it is always best to celebrate each moment and be grateful for our family's presence. Let us be more forgiving and loving because this is what God wills for us.

Prayer

Father God thank You for giving us the Holy Family to emulate, abundant wirh humility, compassion and love. May we be grateful and more loving to our own families as we follow Your will for us. These we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.