Feast of the Holy Family

December 28, 2025

What it means to be family.

First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
For the Lord sets a father in honor over his children and confirms a mother’s authority over her sons. Those who honor their father atone for sins; they store up riches who respect their mother. Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pray they are heard. Those who respect their father will live a long life; those who obey the Lord honor their mother. My son, be steadfast in honoring your father; do not grieve him as long as he lives. Even if his mind fails, be considerate of him; do not revile him because you are in your prime. Kindness to a father will not be forgotten; it will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root.

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12-21
My son, be steadfast in honoring your father; do not grieve him as long as he lives. Even if his mind fails, be considerate of him; do not revile him because you are in your prime. Kindness to a father will not be forgotten; it will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in 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.

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet d  might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazorean.”

REFLECTIONS ON THE GOSPEL

First Impressions - Feast of the Holy Family by Jude Siciliano, O.P.
Sirach 3:2-7,12-14; Psalm 128: 1-5; Colossians 3: 12-21; Matt 2: 13-15,19-23

In light of today’s Scriptures, I would not use this occasion to speak of the Holy Family as a model of perfection or suggest that we simply imitate them. We must avoid sentimentality. This “holy family” is on the run, its life threatened – particularly the life of the innocent child. While our sanctuary still holds tranquil Christmas mangers, the quiet, romantic image can mislead us. A week after Christmas, the child must be cared for in exile. In Egypt, the family becomes a refugee family. This passage invites reflection on the contemporary reality of family life in our own country: the vulnerable must be protected; many live in exile or under threat, facing powerful forces. In particular, many poor families are under siege. Let us first look at the reading itself and then consider a contemporary reflection. Matthew’s Gospel presents a deliberate echo of the Exodus. The chosen people were once exiles in Egypt, led out by Moses. Matthew portrays Jesus as the New Moses, leading his people out of Egypt – or, metaphorically, out of whatever exile (sin, oppression, alienation) we find ourselves in. From the beginning, Matthew emphasizes that God is actively delivering the people. And it is a “people” whom God delivers – we are saved in community. God enters our human situation, even accompanying us into places where we feel “away from home.” This is a story of a poor, indistinguishable family facing the power of forces beyond their control. In taking this family into exile, God stands in solidarity with all the poor and displaced. As the year ends with a focus on the family, perhaps the new year will help us become more “family conscious” and “family friendly.” Perhaps we will see ourselves as a community, connected to one another through our parent God. This awareness calls us to care especially forthe most vulnerable members of the human family. To mark the tenth anniversary of their pastoral letter, Economic Justice for All, the bishops issued a new message. They acknowledged that we have a remarkably strong and creative economy, yet too little of its growth reaches everyone. They described three “nations” or “families” living side by side: The prospering, who drive the new information economy and are doing well economically. The squeezed, whose real income is declining, leaving them uncertain about providing for their children. The discouraged and despairing, a underclass whose children grow up in deep poverty. The bishops remind us that we are called to be a people of faith, not competing classes; brothers and sisters, not economic statistics. Today’s feast brings this lesson home: the newborn Savior was born away from home and had to flee into exile. This feast sensitizes us to the families among us who live in exile today. The bishops saw the parish as an ideal place to promote the common good and contribute to a more just and compassionate world. They encouraged participation in public life, fostering respect for the dignity of every person. Parishes educate the faithful about Church teaching, their responsibilities, and the need to measure public policy against Gospel values. They call for speaking out with courage, skill, and concern on public issues affecting human rights, social justice, and the life of the Church. One guiding principle underlies all this: the “call to family and community.” Pope Leo has written about migrants, noting that migration is part of the history of God’s people (as in the flight of Mary and Joseph), and that the Church “has always recognized in migrants a living presence of the Lord.” In his apostolic exhortation Dilexi te (“I Have LovedYou”). “The Church, like a mother, accompanies those who are walking. Where the world sees threats, she sees children; where walls are built, she builds bridges. She knows that her proclamation of the Gospel is credible only when it is translated into gestures of closeness and welcome. And she knows that in every rejected migrant, it is Christ himself who knocks at the door of the community.”

Justice Bulletin Board by Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC

And over all these put-on love, that is, the bond of perfection. —Colossians 3: 14

On this, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I thought I would write about Cathedral being part of the HFH Catholic Coalition consisting of seven area parishes: St. Andrew (Apex), St. Francis, St. Joseph, St. Luke, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Raphael, and HNOJ Cathedral. 2025 marked the 16th project that HFHCC has participated in building in order to help families buy new, safe homes. Our Coalition team is made up of a diverse group of parishioners that are both skilled and unskilled. All are full of the spirit of our carpenter Lord and there is lots of camaraderie on site.n“Family” is much more than just the family who will receive the home. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. But without realizing it, Habitat also provides a way for God’s family to come together in love and in the common cause of simple decent housing for our working poor brothers and sisters. Home ownership would be simply out of reach for this economic part of God’s family. And, in truth, home ownership is even more out of reach today than it was when the Coalition started in 2010. There is an introduction to an old book called Leaves of Gold that I would like to share: Civilization had its beginning around an open fire. Here, at its warmth, gathered the family group to find safety, comfort, and companionship. If you trace the origin of the word “fireplace,” you will find it definitely related to the Latin word, ‘focus.’ There is the explanation of what home has always meant; for home is the center of life—no mere residence of the body but the axis of the heart; the place where affections develop themselves, where children love and learn, where a family toils together to make life a blessing.” On this Feast Day of the Holy Family, as we gather around the fires of our families and friends, let us thank God for our shelter and for giving us the opportunity through Habitat for Humanity to help shelter others—to create a home, to be a blessing, to put on love. To join in the ministry of Habitat for Humanity here at HNOJ Cathedral, contact Walt Milowic, our parish coordinator, at socialconcern@hnojnc.org.

Faith Book
Mini-reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run. “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.

From Colossians reading: 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, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

Reflection: This passage calls us to live as God’s chosen people, marked by holiness and love. It reminds us that our relationships are a reflection of God’s grace: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are not optional but the way we embody Christ in the world. Forgiveness is at the heart of this calling – just as the Lord has forgiven us, we are invited to forgive others, letting go of grudges and healing wounds.

So, we ask ourselves:
1. In what ways can I show more compassion, kindness, or patience to those around me this week?
2. Are there relationships in my life where forgiveness is needed? How can I take a step toward it?
3. How does remembering that I am “holy and beloved” change the way I treat others?

Reflection on Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Inspiration from 2025-12-28 Daily Prayer

Almost nothing has gone as the Holy Family might have expected.  First, having to uproot themselves from Bethlehem, they find themselves forced to travel to Egypt to escape the murderous tactics of King Herod, and even after his death, it seemed safest to travel northwards to the little village of Nazareth. We can visualise their plight and are reminded of it by the many migrants who find themselves in equally hazardous conditions today, with nowhere safe to lay their heads, and in need of the support, care and guidance of those around them to stay afloat. Just after the wonders and signs of the visit of the Magi, Joseph is ready to move on. I pray that I may be able to relish inspiration wherever I find it, hope yet always remain poised to act. Joseph, Mary and Jesus lived the lives of exiles. I pray for all who are away from home at this time because of political conditions and think of the exiles I encounter. When I read this passage where is my mind and heart drawn? Is it to the fragility of the child, the Word of God, under threat of extinction? Is it the solid, reliability of Joseph in the father’s role? God’s inspiration coming in remarkable ways? God has something for me here. What is it?

PREPARATION FOR THE SESSION

Adapted from Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2025

Presence of God: Jesus, As I come to you today, fill my heart, my whole being, with the wonder of your sacred presence. Help me to become more aware of your presence in my life, and more receptive to that presence. I desire to love you as you love me. May nothing ever separate me from you. (1-2 minutes of silence)

Freedom: Jesus, Grant me the grace to have freedom of spirit. Keep me from being bound by desires and actions that are not good for me or others. Cleanse my heart and soul that I may live joyously in your love. (1-2 minutes of silence)

Consciousness: Where am I with God? With others in my life? What am I grateful for? Is there something I am sorry for, words or actions that have hurt others, and which I now regret? I take a moment to ask forgiveness of God and of those whom I have hurt. God, I give you thanks for your constant love and care for me. Keep me always aware of your presence in my life. (2-3 minutes of silence)

OPENING PRAYER

Lord, we know so little of your life as a child. Help us to understand that your family had challenges, just like any normal family. Help us to make our own families a place of love, joy, and refuge.

COMPANIONS FOR THE JOURNEY

Commentary on Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

After Christmas, we traditionally celebrate the feast of the Holy Family. In some respects, it was very modern in being just a one-child family. We may be inclined to think that, with three such good people, life must have been very easy for them. But if we are to take the Incarnation seriously, there is no reason to believe that this family—living the lifestyle of a rural village in those times—did not have its share of hardships over the years. In addition, there is the record of the child being lost for three days in a large and strange city. Imagine the anxiety of the parents in such a situation. Later, the mother will see her son become famous and then the object of great hostility. She will see him abused, arrested, tried, sentenced, scourged, crowned with thorns and finally die like a common criminal with two criminals before jeering crowds. Few mothers have to go through anything like that kind of experience.

Families in trouble: Today, in celebrating the Holy Family, we ask God’s blessings on our own families. It is cliché to say that family life today is in trouble. And it is a self-perpetuating problem. Sadly, children from dysfunctional families themselves may be more likely to set up equally dysfunctional families. Never having experienced good family life, how can they themselves establish a good family? And it seems that very few couples go through any real formation process in becoming husband and wife and parents. Yet the skills needed do not come naturally—or easily.

Family and church: Jesus said that: …where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. (Matt 18:20) This should be true of every Christian family. The Catholic family is the basic Christian community, through which Christ is present and reveals himself in this world. It has been called the domestic church. Christian families not only belong to the Church, but their lifestyle is also a living out of the Christian vision: the vision of unconditional love in a truly sharing community. Family life is not meant to be lived in isolation. The world around it is not just there for its benefit. It should be united with, supporting and supported by the other families in the parish community and with the wider Church. The mission of the family is identical to that of the whole Church: to give tangible witness to the vision of Christ for the world.

LIVING THE GOOD NEWS

What action can you take in the next week as a response to today’s reading and discussion? Keep a private journal of your prayer/actions responses this week. Feel free to use the personal reflection questions which follow:

Reflection Questions:

Has there been a time in my life when I was impatient with my father or mother?

What happends in families when children, as they grow older, disagree with their parents?
How do we do this with respect?

What does Sirach say about dealing with elderly parents?
What does society seem to say about dealing with elderly parents?

How does the letter of Paul echo some of the sentiments in Sirach?

Do you disagree with any of the phrases in the letter to the Colossians?

What line in this letter is the greates challenge for you?

Is my family a conventional one, or does it have a different configuration?
Do I understand that families come in all shapes and sizes?
Have I ever dismissed certain families because they look “different”?

Do we often forget how scary it was for Mary and Joseph to have this baby and almost immediately have to flee for their lives?

Do we see in this flight to Egypt echoes of the Jewish exile in Egypt?

Do I realize that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were undocumented immigrants?

Do you wonder how long they were there andhow they supported themselves while in Egypt?

Does this story seem to say that when the family returned from Egypt they went to a new town where no relatives lived?

Have you ever moved to a new town where you knew no one?
How dfficult and lonely-making was it a first?

Have you ever moved to an entirely different country for a time ot forever?
What were the challenges?

Does this gospel passage remind us of the way our country should be treating those who come to our shores because they are fleeing persecution, poverty, or other issues?
What do I think of our country’s policies on immigration?
What do I think of our country’s handling of undocumented peoples?
Who do I think Jesus would advocate for in this time?

CLOSING PRAYER

Don’t forget to provide some prayer time at the beginning and at the end of the session (or both), allowing time to offer prayers for anyone you wish to pray for.

Dear Lord, sometimes we romanticize your little family and forget the challenges and, yes, the disagreements you might have faced. Let us look to your example of resilience and patience as we live together with our own families. Help us to be patient with those we love.

FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

Weekly Memorization: Taken from the gospel for today’s session…Rise, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt.

Meditations:

A Meditation in he Domnican Style/Asking Questions: I re-read this gospel, and reflect on what this family must have been like. How, for example, did Joseph feel about bringing up a child who was not really his? How did Mary feel about sharing her life with a man who was not the father of her child? What do I consider a “normal “ family? Do I tend to romanticize my own family dynamic and denigrate the families of others as being imperfect, or “not a real family”? Do I have opinions about the relationships of others? Are they negative opinions? Do I freely share them? I pray to be free of negative jugements about other families and how they treat one another or how they interact with society. On the other hand, do I often wish I were not a member of the family (or certain members of same) that I am stuck with? I pray for wisdom to see my family as it is, imperfect, but still a family. I pray for patience with the most annoying family member, and for energy to deal with the most needy family member. And finally I pray to be a better member of the family I find myself part of.

A Meditation in the Franciscan Style/Action: Here are some family activites (pinched from an unknown website) which might serve to create more awareness of the sacredness of family:

Prayer & Reflection:
- Family Prayer: Say prayers like the Rosary or the Litany to the Holy Family.
- Renew Vows: Parents can renew their marriage vows privately.
- Scripture: Read about the Holy Family or Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical on marriage. 

Family bonding and Service:
- Storytelling: Share family stories that are part of the family “culture”.
- Recall a favorite family experience growing up.
- Share family history. With each parent describing his/her father, mother, siblings, and any challenges the family had.
- Share how each family celebrated Christmas, any ethnic traditions your family celebrated.
- Special Meal: Cook favorite dishes that y our family shared while you were young. Create your current favorite family dish.
- Game Night: Play cooperative board games.
- Acts of Service: Visit the elderly, volunteer at a food pantry, or do a local service project.

POETIC REFLECTIONS

Because this is our last set of reflections until the new year, I have decided to share with you two Christmas poems based on the Gospel of Matthew, which is the only infancy narrative which includes Herod and the Wise Men. The poets are Ranier Marie Rilke and Wiliam Everson (a Dominican lay brother also known as Brother Atnoninus).

Legend by Ranier Marie Rilke
Once long ago when at the desert’s edge
a Lord’s hand spread open –
as if a fruit should deep in summer
proclaim its seed –
there was a miracle: across
vast distances a constellation formed
out of three kings and a star.
Three kings from On-the-Way
and the star Everywhere,
who all pushed on (just think !))
to the right a Rex and the left a Rex
toward a silent stall.
What was there that they didn’t bring
to the stall of Bethlehem!
Each step clanked out ahead of them,
as the one who rode the sable horse
sat plush and velvet-snug.
And the one who walked upon his right
was like some man of gold,
and the one who sauntered on his left
with sling and swing
and jang and jing
from a round silver thing
that hung swaying inside rings,
began to smoke deep blue.
Then the star Everywhere laughed so strangely over them,
and ran ahead and found the stall and said to Mary:
I am bringing here an errantry
made up of many strangers.
Three kings with ancient might
heavy with gold and topaz
and dark, dim, and heathenish, -
but don’t you be afraid.
They have all three at home
twelve daughters, not one son,
so they’ll ask for the use of yours
as sunshine for their heaven’s blue
and comfort for their throne.
Yet don’t straightaway believe: merely
some sparkle-prince and heathen-sheik
is to be your young son’s lot.
Consider: the road is long.
They’ve wandered far, like herdsmen,
and meanwhile their ripe empire falls
into the lap of Lord knows whom.
and while here, warmly like westwind,
the ox snorts into their ear,
they are perhaps already destitute
and headless, for all they know.
So with your smile cast light
on that confusion which they are,
and turn your countenance
toward dawning with your child:
there in blue lines lies
what each one left for you:
Emeralda and Rubinien
and the Valley of Turquoise.

The Wise - a Christmas Poem by William Everson (aka Brother Antoninus, O.P.)
Miles across the turbulent kingdoms
They came for it, but that was nothing,
That was the least.  Drunk with vision,
Rain stringing in the ragged beards,
When a beast lamed, they caught up another
And goaded west.
For the time was on them.

Once, as it may, in the life of a man,
Once, as it was, in the life of mankind,
All is corrected.  And their years of pursuit,
Raw-eyed reading the wrong texts,
Charting the doubtful calculations,
Those nights knotted with thought,
When dawn held off, and the rooster
Rattled the leaves with his blind assertion---
All that, they regarded, under the Sign,

No longer as search but as preparation.
For when the mark was made, they saw it.
Nor stopped to reckon the fallible years,
But rejoiced and followed,
And are called “wise”, who learned that Truth,
When sought and at last seen,
Is never found.  It is given.

And they brought their camels
Breakneck into that village,
And flung themselves down in the dung and dirt of that place,
And kissed that ground, and the tears
Ran on their faces, where the rain had.