The Feast of the Holy Family Year A
When is the Feast of the Holy Family in 2022?
Friday December 30, 2022
The readings for the Feast of the Holy Family for Year A give us a look at the life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The first reading speaks of the holiness of family relationships. The psalm also sings of the blessings of families. The second reading tells of how families must live in love and unity. In the gospel Joseph is once again visited by an angel and does as he is commanded in order to protect his family.
What are the Mass Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A?
- First Reading – Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14: “Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: “Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”
- Second Reading – Colossians 3:12-22: “Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.”
- Gospel – Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23: “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.”
What Are the Themes for the Mass Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A?
- How the actions of individual family members effect other members of the family
- Strengthening our families and communities
Resources for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A
Family Circle Icebreaker Game
Family Circle is a game which works well as an icebreaker or for a lesson about relationships. It also makes sense for a meeting about human dignity. We are all members of God’s family.
A Prayer for a Blessed Home
This blessed home prayer, based on Psalm 128, which is the responsorial psalm for this feast, asks for blessings on our home and family as we follow the ways of the Lord.
Let the Peace of Christ Control Your Hearts
And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.
In this video from Life Teen, Joel Stepanek helps us understand the readings for the Feast of the Holy Family for Year A. What do we owe to each other as families?
In Sirach we hear practical wisdom on how families should live together. To honor means to will what is good for the other person. Families are not perfect. If we have difficult relationships, we can still honor our family members while recognizing that we have been hurt.
Marriage is an act of mutual submission. Once again, this doesn’t mean staying in a hurtful relationship. But a true marriage reflects the life of Christ. We offer ourselves to each other in service.