2017 Homily for Holy Family B
It is safe to say that the Holy Family was the happiest of families, even though it was a family that was tried beyond any other. The sufferings that accompanied their years together were the source of an ever-deepening love among them.
Sadly, many families let sorrows become a source of division, of dissatisfaction, of peevish disputes and touchy feelings. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph look upon us and move us by their prayers and example to use our sorrows well, as a source of the shared joy of mutual love. What can give more joy to a human heart, after all, than the security that no sorrow, no evil can leave us without the support of those around us? Just as we must not suffer alone, so too will our joys be shared in the inexhaustible happiness of heaven wherein lies waiting for us, not half, but the whole of our joy.
Doctrinal
Homily
Outlines
TBD
TBD
Feast of the Holy Family B
Central idea:
The virtues of the children in God’s family
Doctrine:
Family virtues
Practical application:
How to teach virtues to children
Homiletic Directory
- CCC 531-534: the Holy Family
- CCC 1655-1658, 2204-2206: the Christian family, a domestic Church
- CCC 2214-2233: duties of family members
- CCC 529, 583, 695: the Presentation in the Temple
- CCC 144-146, 165, 489, 2572, 2676: Abraham and Sarah as models of faith
The paragraphs were chosen either because they cite or allude to the specific readings, or because they treat topics found in the readings.
Feast of the Holy Family B
Among human beings, the family provides an environment for the creation, education, nurture, and growth of the person in all aspects. Biological life springs from the relationship of a man and a woman committed to one another and to the children to be born from the union of hearts, souls, and bodies. Protection and care for those children is provided by mothers and fathers as human life develops from the embryo to adulthood. Love and guidance provide the energies needed for children to hope in a future for themselves and for their own families. Education in human and social values comes first from the family.
Any disorder in family life affects children profoundly and sometimes leaves wounds that will always be carried as burdens in those lives that have been so marked.
A healthy family life also includes education and formation in spiritual and religious values and principles. Mothers and fathers who themselves possess a healthy spirituality and practice positive religious expressions will pass these on to their children primarily by the example and witness of their lives. It is natural for children to want to absorb and imitate the values and practices of adults if these are seen as beneficial, freely chosen, and productive of happiness for the individual. Parents do not need to “preach” these things to their children. In fact, “preaching” is often perceived as an indication that adults are fairly insecure in the ideas and principles they promote so vocally and so loudly. The result is that children often react protectively against such “preaching” and do the opposite!
Love, respect, and kindness are never oppressive when these are authentic and firmly rooted in a healthy family environment. Unfortunately, what some call “love” happens to be a distorted kind of compulsion to control another person. That ends up being destructive of freedom and of growth. Children cannot grow to become responsible persons in that kind of environment.
The mystery of Christian marriage (called a sacrament in Catholic tradition) envelops persons and their most intimate relationships in the power and healing energies of Jesus Christ, the Lord of our Redemption. (See: The Catechism: #2201-13, 2232-33.)
SOURCE: Portland Diocese, Used with Permission
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