Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family Year C
Theme: THE HOLY FAMILY, A MODEL OF EVERY CHRISTIAN FAMILY TODAY.
By: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
Homily for Sunday December 26 2021
READINGS OF THE DAY
1 Samuel 1:20-22,24-28
1 John 3:1-2,21-24
Luke 2:41-52
*INTRODUCTION*
Today, is the first Sunday after the celebration of Christmas, the Church celebrates the Holy Family of Nazareth: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. We live in a time when the family institution is under a severe threat.
*ABOUT THE FIRST READING*
The first reading from the book of Sirac speaks of the need for children to be responsible and obedient to their parents: Hence: “…He who honors his mother is like someone amassing a fortune. Whoever respects his father will be happy with children of his own.” In other words, in an ideal family, it is the role of children to make their parents happy.
*ABOUT THE SECOND READING*
In the second reading, Paul outlined the qualities and virtues of an ideal Christian family: “Clothed yourselves in sincere compassion, kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins.” In a Christian family, each member knows his duty and responsibility. Suppose each carries out their duty well, the unity and love of the family blossoms. If the husband loves his wife and children by caring and providing for them, he wins their admiration. If the mother respects the father and nurtures her children well, things will go well. If children are obedient to their parents, the family will prosper.
*ABOUT THE GOSPEL READING*
In today’s gospel, Luke informs us of how the parents of Jesus played their role in his upbringing. They continued to accompany him in love until he was mature enough to take care of himself. They provided for his needs and made sure that they brought him up in the faith. They did this by presenting him to God at the appropriate time. When they thought he was lost, they looked for him. Indeed they played their role well as parents. Today’s gospel also reminds us that problems and obstacles are inevitable in a family. However, if the members remain united and courageous, they will overcome them all.
*WHAT TO TAKE FOR TODAY*
Today, Joseph played his part very well. So he is a role model for all fathers. He protected and provided for both the mother and the child. Mary also played her role very well by giving much maternal love that their son needed as he grew up. On his part, Jesus was not disobedient or problematic. He understood the difficulties that his family faced!
*CONCLUSION*
Holy Family of Nazareth, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you.
A BLESSED SUNDAY TO YOU ALL.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA