The Holy Family of Nazareth: The Christian Model

Readings: 1st: Sirac 3, 2-6. 12-14: Ps 128, 1-5; 2nd: Col 3, 12-21: Gos: Lk 22, 22-40

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp., DMin, a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is Director of Santuario del Espiritu Santo, Dorado, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments, contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

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Today is the first Sunday of Christmas. It is dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth, the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It is the model of every true Christian Family. Sociologically speaking, the family is the nucleus of human society and where life and learning begin.

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One cannot underestimate the importance of today’s celebration in the life of our church and society. First, it reminds us of the family’s specific and vital role as a sacred institution. Our society’s sustenance and subsistence depend on the family’s continuous existence.

Second, this celebration reminds us of the proper constitution of a family. That is the right and naturally accepted union of a father, mother, and children. Hence, any marriage (like same-sex marriage) other than this in the guise of a family is an aberration. It is also against God, who initially made them male and female. He did not take the rib of Adam to create another man as a partner to Adam. Instead, he took Adam’s rib and made a biologically and functionally different human being, a woman (Gen 1:2).

The first reading of this Sunday explicitly outlines the three components of a family: father, mother, and children. It equally outlines each family member’s position: “The Lord honors the father in his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.” Each is important and unique in its position.

Notably, Sirac emphasized the role of children towards their parents. This role centers on honor and obedience to one’s parents. Paul re-echoes this: “Children, it is your Christian duty to honor your parents. Respect your father and your mother is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it; so that it may go well with you” (Ep 6, 1-4).

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. These include compassion, kindness, patience, and forgiveness toward every family member. Most importantly, Paul says: “Put on love and let the peace of Christ control your hearts.”

Most families are not living in peace today. Instead of wearing the garment of love, they wear that of hatred. Paul reminds us of each family member’s role: “Fathers, love your wives and avoid bitterness towards them. Wives, respect your husband. Children, obey your parents.” These roles are crystal clear.

In addition to the virtues that Paul enumerated above, today’s gospel presents us with essential family characteristics. That is prayer and unity of purpose. Mary and Joseph took their son Jesus to the temple for consecration. So, they acted and prayed together for the good of their family.

When Herod threatened their baby, they prayerfully decided to flee to Egypt. This is an excellent virtue to emulate from them today as we celebrate. This is especially true in our world, where individualism has dramatically harmed family relations. Prayer and unity sustain and help our families. This is primarily during difficult moments in life. This is true of the saying that “united we stand, divided we fall.” Therefore, let us pray, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: make our hearts and family like unto yours. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!