Welcome to our Bible Study

Feast of the Holy Family ADecember 26, 2010

In preparation for this Sunday’s LiturgyIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Sirach 3,2-6.12-14 2 God sets a father in honor over his children; a

mother's authority he confirms over her sons. 3 He who honors his father atones for sins; 4 he stores up riches who reveres his mother. 5 He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard. 6 He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother. 12 My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. 13 Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength. 14 For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering-- it will take lasting root.

11stst reading: Sirach 3,2-6.12-14 reading: Sirach 3,2-6.12-14 2 God sets a father in honor over his children; a

mother's authority he confirms over her sons. 3 He who honors his father atones for sins; 4 he stores up riches who reveres his mother. 5 He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard. 6 He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother. 12 My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. 13 Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength. 14 For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering-- it will take lasting root.

The focus is on honoring parents.

1st reading: Sirach 3,2-6.12-14 Sayings 2 God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's

authority he confirms over her sons. 3 He who honors his father atones for sins; 4 he stores up riches who reveres his mother. 5 He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard. 6 He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother.

Advice 12 My son, take care of your father when he is old;

grieve him not as long as he lives. 13 Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength.

Saying 14 For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will

serve as a sin offering-- it will take lasting root.

A simple outline!

1st reading: Sirach 3,2-6.12-14 Sayings 2 God sets a father in honor over his

children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. 3 He who honors his father atones for sins; 4 he stores up riches who reveres his mother. 5 He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard. 6 He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother.

Advice 12 My son, take care of your father

when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. 13 Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength.

Saying 14 For kindness to a father will not be

forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering-- it will take lasting root.

Commentary V.1 The father has the major role in

the family. The author believes that God has

given him authority over his children. The authority of the mother over her children is drawn from him.

V.3 encourages children to honor their fathers.

It is an act of atonement for sins. In the same manner, the children who

revere their mother deposit riches. V.4

V.5 adds more rewards for honoring one’s father: He is gladdened by children. His prayers are heard. He will have long life. V.6 God will bring comfort to his

mother. V.6

1st reading: Sirach 3,2-6.12-14 Sayings 2 God sets a father in honor over his

children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. 3 He who honors his father atones for sins; 4 he stores up riches who reveres his mother. 5 He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard. 6 He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother.

Advice 12 My son, take care of your father

when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. 13 Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength.

Saying 14 For kindness to a father will not be

forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering-- it will take lasting root.

V.12 indicates that honoring the father must continue up to his old age.

The son must do the following: Take care of his father. Not to grieve him (sadden) Be considerate, v.13 Not to revile him, v.13 Be kind. v.14

V.14 says that kindness to a father pays. Will not be forgotten Will serve as a sin offering

(see v.3 again)

Reflections on the 1st reading

Whether we like it or not, we, children, have to respect our parents.

They are our immediate authority. We have no right to insult them, even if we think

we are more learned or smart than they. We must develop a sense of gratitude to them. By loving them, we obtain God’s blessings and

forgiveness.

Resp. Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 R. (cf. 1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his

ways.

1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,who walks in his ways!2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;blessed shall you be, and favored.

3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vinein the recesses of your home;your children like olive plantsaround your table.

4 Behold, thus is the man blessedwho fears the LORD.5 The LORD bless you from Zion:may you see the prosperity of Jerusalemall the days of your life.

Resp. Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 R. (cf. 1) Blessed are those who

fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,who walks in his ways!2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;blessed shall you be, and favored.

3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vinein the recesses of your home;your children like olive plantsaround your table.

4 Behold, thus is the man blessedwho fears the LORD.5 The LORD bless you from Zion:may you see the prosperity of Jerusalemall the days of your life.

Commentary V.1 commends people who

are God-fearing. What happens to the God-

fearing? They will attain justice and

God’s blessing. v.2 They will enjoy the fruit of

their labors. v.2 They will have many children.

V.3 V.4 repeats v.1.

Reflections on the Psalm

Those who fear the Lord are highly favored by him.

They receive a lot of blessings. They enjoy the fruit of their labors. God makes them prolific. They enjoy family life.

2nd reading: Colossians 3,12-17 12 Put on as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,

heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 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. 14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. 16 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. 17 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.

2nd reading: Colossians 3,12-17 12 Put on as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,

heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 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. 14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. 16 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. 17 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.

The focus is on admonitions on community life.

2nd reading: Colossians 3,12-17Needed to build community 12 Put on as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt

compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 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.

Love 14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. Peace 15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into

which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Word of Christ 16 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.

Name of Jesus 17 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.

A simple outline!

2nd reading: Colossians 3,12-17Needed to build community 12 Put on as God's chosen ones, holy and

beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 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.

Love 14 And over all these put on love, that is,

the bond of perfection. Peace 15 And let the peace of Christ control your

hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.

Word of Christ 16 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.

Name of Jesus 17 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.

Commentary The reading is well chosen for

the Feast of the Holy Family, though it is addressed to the Christian community of Colossae.

Like the 1st reading, we have a battery of admonitions.

But in here, it is no longer based on the 3rd commandment (Honor your father and your mother!) but on Christ.

Christ should make an impact in their lives and make a difference.

V.12 indicates the identity or description of the addressees: God’s chosen ones Holy and beloved

What is expected of them?

2nd reading: Colossians 3,12-17Needed to build community 12 Put on as God's chosen ones, holy and

beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 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.

Love 14 And over all these put on love, that is,

the bond of perfection. Peace 15 And let the peace of Christ control your

hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.

Word of Christ 16 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.

Name of Jesus 17 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.

They are expected to be: compassionate (merciful) kind (considerate) humble (not putting oneself above

the others) Gentle (treating others with

delicadeza, not being rough) Patient (able to endure the character

of others) Bearing with one another Forgiving one another, when

there are grievances. Loving, v.14 Peaceful / peaceable , v.15

The Christians are entitled to experience peace in the Church (one body) and be grateful.

Accommodating to the Word of Christ, v.16

Well motivated in whatever one say and do. Do everything in the name of

Christ.

Reflections on the 2nd reading The reading enumerates almost all the qualities, which a

Christian must possess in order to survive in the community (in the Church).

We are all human beings with faults and failures, and so, we have to exercise virtues.

Each member of the family and community should be animated by love, the Word of God, and proper motivation.

The reading teaches us how to build our families, communities and ministries.

Without exercising Christian virtues, we can forget about having a happy family, community and ministry.

Gospel reading: Mt 2,13-15.19-23 13 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." 14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son." 19 When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 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." 21 He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 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. 23 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."

Gospel reading: Mt 2,13-15.19-23 13 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." 14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son." 19 When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 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." 21 He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 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. 23 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."

The focus is on obedience to God.

Gospel reading: Mt 2,13-15.19-23Setting 13 When they (the magi)

had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,

Command"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."

Execution 14 Joseph rose and took the

child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod,

Fulfillment of prophecy that what the Lord had said

through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son."

Commentary: Observe a pattern in the outline:

Setting – command – execution – fulfillment of prophecy

The author uses an “angel” and a “dream” to communicate to Joseph.v.13

In v.13, Joseph is asked to flee to Egypt. The reason? Herod wants to kill the

child. Herod is the King Herod the Great. He

ruled Israel from 37 BC to 4 BC. He killed whomever he suspected to

dethrone him. He is paranoid. In v.14, Joseph obeys God right away.

He does not delay. V.15 indicates the length of their stay in

Egypt, about 2 years, if Jesus is born in 6 BC.

The prophesy comes from Hosea 11,1.

Setting 19 When Herod had died,

behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said,

Command "Rise, take the child and

his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead."

Execution 21 He rose, took the child

and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.

Fulfillment of prophecy (in v.23)

Again observe a pattern in the outline: Setting – command –

execution – fulfillment of prophecy

In v.19, the would-be killer of Jesus, Herod, is dead.

At his death, the angel again appears to Joseph in a dream.

In v.20, Joseph is asked to go back.

Observe: not only Herod is dead, but also all the rest that seek Jesus’ life.

In v.21, Joseph immediately goes back to Israel, where they come from.

There is no explicit or immediate indication of a fulfillment of a prophecy. It is said in v.23.

Setting 22 But when he heard

that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there.

Command And because he had

been warned in a dream,

Execution he departed for the

region of Galilee. 23 He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth,

Fulfillment of prophecy so that what had been

spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazorean."

Again, observe a pattern in the outline: Setting – command – execution – fulfillment of prophecy

V.22 presents Archaelaus as the successor of Herod, the Great, after his death.

Joseph is afraid to go back. Archaelaus is like his father.

Historically, Archaelaus was removed from office by Rome because of his misdeeds. He did not reign long (4 BC to 6 AD).

King Herod and his successors (sons) were puppets of Rome. (Herodian dynasty)

They are good only as far as they serve the interests of the Roman Empire.

V.22 indicates Joseph goes to Galilee instead. V.23 specifies where he goes:

To Nazareth. V.23b also gives the reason why they should go

back to Galilee: To fulfill a prophesy.

Reflections on the gospel reading Like Joseph, Mary and Jesus, our families are not

spared of trials, inconveniences and sufferings. Inconveniences (death threats, being refugees,

disruption of normal life) are caused by the insecurity / paranoia / lack of people’s mandate on the part of the powers-that-be who want to stay in power for ever. who rule with no moral authority who misread the purpose of life and governance

Like the Holy Family, our families are also victims of unjust structures and misinterpretations.

God will protect us as long as we listen to his words.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm

The first reading is about honoring parents. relationship with parents

The psalm assures God’s blessings and protection to those who fear the Lord. relationship with God through the Law

The second reading enumerates the ingredients / traits needed for building relationships in the family and community. relationship with one another, co-equal

The gospel reading features the obedience of Joseph to God in the midst of strong opposition to his son, Jesus. relationship with God through obedience

How to develop your homily / sharing

Are you happy with your family? Do you love all the members of your family? This Sunday, we are invited once more to take a

look at the Holy Family as the model of family life.

It is rather a small family: father, mother and son. This has nothing to do with family planning. The number is God-ordained. The whole gospel is focused on Jesus. There is no

need to multiply characters in the gospel.

In the gospel, Joseph, the father, does everything to protect his son. He listens to the voice of God.

Mary, the mother, is quiet. She submits to God’s plan. She does not resist or create trouble. She carries the little child in her bosom as they escape from danger.

Jesus, the child, at this time, is still quiet and passive. Wait until he becomes 12.

Each of them lives what the first and second readings teach.

The gospel teaches us to move according to God’s plan to contain the external threats of our family.

In the midst of trials and difficulties brought about by poverty, bad politics and governance, unjust economic system and false values, we are asked to discern (to listen to God) what we can best do in order not to aggravate the situation (damage control).

We need to discern where the Spirit is leading us, for the safety and well-being of our families and humankind.

Wrong move or decision (imprudence) can lead the family to bankruptcy, indebtedness, demoralization, break down, disintegration and death.

The first reading reminds the children to honor, revere and respect their parents, up to their old age.

Children should not be hard on their aging and ailing parents. Instead, they should take care of them all the more.

In this way, God will bless them too.

The second reading reminds every member of the family and community to exercise compassion, patience, gentleness, kindness and love. (Giving justice where it is due)

In other words, we must show maturity in dealing with one another.

If there is no compassion, respect, patience, love, we cannot build our family.

If the members are not peaceable, but hostile and violent to one another, they have a big problem.

Everyone needs conversion before everything gets worse.

Nowadays, the scheme of Herod is still alive (infanticide, abortion, abortifacients, etc.)

Innocent babies are being blamed for the economic and political woes of the nations.

Drug companies, to earn more money by selling their anti-life products (condoms, pills, IUDs, etc.) make us, including lawmakers, believe pregnancy is sickness.

The eucharist is a sacrament of life and relationships.

The eucharist reminds us to be God-fearing and respectful to other people.

We cannot receive holy communion if we are not just, and at peace with one another.

In the eucharist, Immanuel dwells in our hearts and give us joy and strength in our everyday struggles.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Broken homes Cairo Document (one may

adopt a pig and call it a family.) Same sex marriage Free love Dysfunctional families Lost Generation, Gen X Single parenthood Surrogate motherhood Contraceptives Abortion Genetic engineering

Pro-Life Redefinition of what a family is True Love Waits Movement (no sex

before marriage) CEFAM CFM CFC Natural Family Planning Responsible parenthood New ways of dealing with special

children Inculcation of justice and peace in

our educational system and in the military

Sexual integration (balance of male and female in us)

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs

O Tao http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXhwzDRL7bM

We are Family Teach Christmas Songs