The Holy Family

Holy Family

Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

The reading from Ecclesiasticus reveals a lot on how we are to love our parents and how parents are to love their children.

In the gospel, Joseph, as a responsible father, led his family to Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod.  In the end, Herod died and the family returned home.

How do we regard our families?

First, the family is the father taking the responsibility to lead the family to heaven

As Joseph led his family to Egypt and back to Bethlehem upon the promptings of the angel, so too much fathers lead their family to God.  They should discern well whether every member is journeying to heaven.

Second, the family is the mother having rights over the upbringing of the children

The mother is Mary in full support of her husband Joseph.  It is also mothers in the Old Testament who are sources of real treasures in the family.  A mother shares all the love in her heart to her husband and children.  She is the picture of our obedience to God.

Third, the family is the children respecting both father and mother

The children who take care of their parents in their old age will serve as reparation for their old ages.

Every family is a picture of the Holy Family in essence and fact always on the journey to the Eternal Home.