Feast of the Holy Family, Year B: Homily by Fr Justin Adiele
THEME: “BUILDING UP A GOOD FAMILY NAME”
INTRODUCTION:
Today being the feast of Holy Family, we honour and recall the sterling qualities of the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph for which they earned the title; “Holy Family”. Today, we can also reflect on what title could be given to our own various families? What title have we worked for or earned so far for our family? Is it good family known for truth, piety, charity, kindness, justice and right? Is it bad family known for war, gossip, stinginess, troubles, wickedness, taboos and nuisance? Your family must be known for something which issues from what the respective members of your family have been doing for God and for the peoples.
THE FIRST READING (GEN. 15: 1–6; 21: 1–3)
In the first reading, we read about the family of Abram, Sarah and Isaac. Abram spear headed the grace and name of his family. Abram was known for his total surrender and devotion to God. He did and sacrificed practically everything for God’s cause or will. His devotion and faith in God won him the title; “Father of faith and Father of blessings”; and his family; “family of faith and blessings.” It was Abram’s devotion to God that even merited him the gift of his son Isaac at old age, and numerous descendants. Like Abram, Joseph the foster father of Jesus was all round known as a just man. This shows us that the fathers could really play a special role in occasioning the good name, the good title and the good fortune/destiny of their families. As a father today, are you even as connected and devoted to God as Abram? What are you devoted to and what fortune is it bringing upon your family? Are you even righteous and hardworking as Joseph? Is your family enjoying any of your good reputations? Or is your family suffering the shame and consequences of your lack of virtues and rascality to God and to the peoples? You can always do better as a father!
THE SECOND READING (HEB. 11: 8. 11–12. 17–19)
The second reading is continuation of the role of Abraham and the fathers in building a family name. Abraham was ready to offer his only son to God as sacrifice. This offering of his son could take various forms today. Hannah offered Samuel her first son to God to serve in his Temple for the rest of his life. This is also a form of the Abrahamic sacrifice that brings holiness, blessings and good name to the family. How many of your sons and daughters do you allow or offer to serve God and his people in the Church as lay readers, mass servers, altar girls, choristers, church warders, or church cleaners? We could all draw holiness, grace or good name from these Church services and other community services.
THE GOSPEL READING (LK. 2: 22–40)
The gospel reading tells of the presentation and dedication of the child Jesus in the Temple for blessings; and the child grew strong, filled with wisdom and God’s favours. Holistically, we must state here that the “Holy Family” title of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is a joint and combined effort of every member of the family. Joseph did his own part as a just and hardworking father. Mary did her own part as a virtuous and immaculate mother. Jesus did his own part by going about doing good, teaching in the synagogues, touching and changing lives for better, while the peoples confessed; “he has done all things well” (cf. Mk. 7:37).
CONCLUSION:
Before God and the peoples, what and where have you been doing well as a father, as a mother, or as a child in the family? Before God and man, what and where have you been found wanting? Each time you do well, you make holy and sacred your family name. Anywhere you are found wanting, you drag your family name and grace to the mud. Sit up today, and use every occasion to build up a good and holy name for your family!
Happy Sunday! Happy Family!
Fr. Justin Adiele