 The Sunday after Christmas celebrates the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They are lifted before us not only for veneration but also for imitation. Like any family, they faced challenges and difficulties yet remained faithful. No doubt, they exercised the virtues mentioned by St. Paul in the Letter to the Colossians, “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.” The Second Vatican Council reminded the People of God that the family is a “domestic church.” It is where religious and family traditions are learned, faith is expressed, and love for God and neighbor is made real. This is the Feast of the Holy Family, and although we rightfully attribute a kind of perfection to them, the Church does not call this the Feast of the Perfect Family! Families come in all shapes, sizes, and conditions. Yet, no matter the family’s makeup, every family can become holy through “heartfelt compassion” and the other virtues mentioned by St. Paul.
January 1st begins the secular year, and the Church begins this new time by recalling that humble Mary is the Mother of God! The blessing of God promised in the Book of Numbers has come true in the persons of Mary and Jesus. “The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!” In Jesus, the very face of God has shone upon us, and in Mary, his mother, the very graciousness of God has been made known to us. Please recall that this is also traditionally the Day of Prayer for World Peace.
Call to action: The Missal and the Book of Blessings include special prayers and blessings for families. Special recognition of families can be helpful, especially when many family members visit for the Holidays. Additionally, this is a great time to gather and update information about family members and visitors using your GC Text to Give and GC Smart QR Codes. Be sure everyone is greeted warmly and as personally as possible, either by your greeters or by having the congregation greet each other.
Pastoral Action Points
- Encourage families to say grace this week at all their shared meals. Children are more than 50% likely to remain active in their faith when shared prayer is in their home.
- Make sure your Text to Give and QR Code information is readily available. You can have them on engagement cards for the pews and/or with visibly located banners. If you need help, contact us at implementation@givecentral.org
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