Read or listen to this Sunday’s Mass readings here.
- Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
- Colossians 3:12-21
- Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
Today was a special occasion in the Pauline household. It was the celebration of the feast of the Holy Family. For years, the Paulines had marked this occasion in grand fashion.
Dad came downstairs in his nicest suit coat and tie. Mom was right behind him in the new dress she had gotten for Christmas. One by one, the rest of the children entered the living room in their Sunday finest.
“Isn’t this fun?” Lucy exclaimed. “I think this is one of the best days of the year!”
“Yeah,” Vincent agreed. “I don’t even mind getting all dressed up. It’s fun to do stuff like this.”
“Let’s everyone be seated for our Scripture reading for Mass this morning,” Dad said. “I know it will be a good start for our day.”
Dad opened his Bible and read the passage this morning from the book of Matthew. It told the story of Joseph, the holy and obedient earthly father of Jesus. Joseph heard the voice of God through the mouth of the angel. His love and concern for Mary and Jesus remind us of God’s role as a loving parent to all of us.
When Dad was finished, he said, “This feast day has long been a tradition in our family. We started it when Peter was just a few months old, almost 20 years ago.”
“That’s right, Martin,” his wife added. “One of the most important things in our lives is our family. We are bound together with invisible cords that cannot be broken. The model of the Holy Family of love and care is what Jesus desires for all of the families He shepherds.”
Dad nodded. “On our Baptismal days, we celebrate our entrance into the family of God. We celebrate your individual birthdays, when you came into our family. We celebrate your feast days, with your heavenly family of saints and your patron saint cheering you on. But those all celebrate us as individuals sharing the day with others.”
“So, My Dear Children,” Dad concluded, “after Mass, we are going to have the biggest brunch you ever saw! And, after that, we’ll all go to a movie, do some skating or sliding, then come home for cake, ice cream, and games. This is our day to celebrate the Pauline family!”
“Then, later tonight,” Mom said, “we’ll all pray a family rosary together in thanksgiving for each other. We will begin to welcome in the new year with candles, prayer, and singing.”
“And, of course, a few snacks!” the always-hungry Vincent added.
Lucy looked like she was going to burst with excitement. “Happy Holy Family Day!” she exclaimed. “This is the best!”
Do as the Pauline family is doing.
Celebrate your family today on the feast of the Holy Family.
Make it fun and festive. Enjoy just being together.
Also, make sure you include prayer time, thanking God for bringing
you all together as a family and for the gifts you are to each other.
Rejoice and celebrate!
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