Commentary on the Gospel of
Being Holy Family
Read:
The Book of Sirach offers insights into how to be a ‘holy family’ where respect, love, kindness, and care reign supreme. According to Paul, when the word of God dwells at the center of our lives, the above virtues unfold in us. Matthew narrates the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt.
Reflect:
Becoming a holy family is hard work. The family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus testifies to it. Joseph and Mary saying “yes” to God’s will did not magically make their life any easier. They had to live through poverty, homelessness, exile, near loss of the child, widowhood, and death by crucifixion…. Doesn’t this family sound just like some families we have met around? Or perhaps even our own families? That thought should console us and give us hope. If the Holy Family went through such struggles, our struggles are not exceptional. And if they survived them with trust in the words of God, we too can do so, making the word of God central to our lives. It must also impel us to be a word of God for the families around.
Pray:
Pray for a family that you know to be going through hard times.
Act:
Reach out to that family with a practical help that you can afford.
