Intermediate Session
Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14
Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
Let us pray.
God our Father, help us to live as the holy family, united in respect and love.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
-From the Opening Prayer for the Feast of the Holy Family
The focus for today is family. To begin, invite the children to plan a “family day” for their household. Provide paper and pencils for each child to write down their plan. Suggest that they make it a fun day, doing the things that they like to do together. Discuss:
Allow time for discussion. On the Feast of the Holy Family the Church celebrates that Jesus was born into a family. Because Jesus was born into a family, family life can be a source of holiness.
In the Old Testament reading listen to what happens when God’s command to honor your father and mother is followed.
Read Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14.
Allow for silence.
In today’s Gospel listen to find out about the family that Jesus was born into.
Read Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23.
Allow for silence.
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.
On today’s feast of the Holy Family the Church celebrates that Jesus was born into a family. The birth of Jesus into a family highlights his humanity. The humanity of Jesus makes holy all of humanity and Jesus’ life in a family reflects the holiness of family life. The family, made holy by virtue of Jesus’ life with Mary and Joseph, becomes a source of holiness for every Christian.
Today’s Old Testament reading stresses the Fourth Commandment, to honor your father and mother. The Fourth Commandment is crucial to both Jewish and Christian understandings of family life. The author of today’s reading is concerned with the kind of relationships that make up family life. We are told that God does not forget when reverence and care is shown for one’s parents. Today’s Old Testament passage encourages families to strive to live in harmony. Family life can be a source of holiness when lived within God’s commandments.
Today’s Gospel brings to light the importance of Jesus’ family life. Joseph guides his family with divine help through dangers to safety. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus listen to God’s call and they leave Egypt and settle in Nazareth. In this reading, Matthew identifies Jesus as the new Moses, called out of Egypt. Jesus’ human destiny retells the entire history of the chosen people and his upbringing in Nazareth leads to the truth of his identity as Messiah.
Although this Gospel passage does not emphasize Jesus’ reverence toward his parents, we can be sure that Jesus’ way to holiness would have included observance of the Fourth Commandment.
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
The concept of law in the Old Testament comes from an understanding that Israel is chosen by God because of divine love. The commands of God are meant to be a light and guide for the chosen people, not a burden.
In the New Testament Jesus not only fulfills the law, but also follows it closely. When Jesus is asked which commandment is the greatest, he responds with twofold instruction to love God and to love one’s neighbor. His attitude toward the law is one of reverence and respect.
Catholic teaching on the Fourth Commandment recites the duties of family members. Children are to respect and obey their parents and guardians. Parents and guardians are to provide for their children’s growth and wellbeing, regarding them as children of God.
Present your “Family Day” plan to your family and try to live the Fourth Commandment this week.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Grade 4, page 247 parish and page 357 school and chapter 22
Grade 5, page 247 parish and page 357 school and chapter 23
Grade 6, page 247 parish and page 357 school and chapter 22