Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for the Holy Family Sunday Year B - December 27, 2020

SUNDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2020

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

 Genesis 15:1-6,21:1-3

Colosians 3:12-21

Luke 2:22-40

HOLY FAMILY: MAKE OUR FAMILIES LIVE YOURS

As it is customary in the Liturgical calendar of the church, the Sunday after Christmas celebration is the feast of the Holy Family.

The church presents to us today, the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, as model for all families. The family is the smallest unit of the society, and the church right from the time of Pope Paul VI, has seen the family as the domestic church. This is because, it is in the family that our faith is conceived, born, nurtured and sent forth into the world.

In the first reading of today, we see the struggle of Abraham and his wife Sarah. They had no child. This is a situation that we all are familiar with. Some couples get married and are unable to have a child. This has led to the breakdown of many marriages. In the case of Abraham and Sarah, they stayed together and trusted God till God blessed them with Isaac and his descendants.

In the gospel reading, we see the struggle of Joseph with poverty. He was not a rich man, but was able to keep his family moving. From the narration of the gospel, we can see very well that Joseph was not even able to get a lamb and 2 turtle doves to use in the presentation of Jesus in the temple as commanded in Leviticus 12. He was only able to provide 2 young pigeons, a thanksgiving by the poor.

We all have a lot to learn today from the Holy family. It is not that there were no moments of quarrel, but they handled issues very well.

JESUS was obedient to his parents and was faithful to prayers and the things of God. Jesus helped Joseph  his foster father in his carpentry work until he started his public ministry.

JOSEPH was understanding with Mary when he heard that she was pregnant when he had not touched her. How many men can save their wives of such a shame? Joseph also worked hard as a carpenter to cater for the family.

Mary was quiet amidst all the troubles she went through. We are told that she treasured them in her heart.

Whatever we pass through in our families, let us look up to the holy family and pray that God should make our families like that of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. God help us. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP