Daily Readings - Fri Dec 30 2022
Matthew
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.21And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of family, trust, and God’s providence. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded of the importance of honoring our parents and caring for them, especially in their old age. This is not only a moral obligation but also a way of living out our faith. The passage emphasizes that the glory of a man comes from the honor of his father, and that supporting our parents is a way of storing up treasure in heaven. This teaching is deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition and serves as a foundation for understanding the value of family in our lives.
In the Gospel, we hear the story of Joseph, who exemplifies trust in God’s plan. When an angel appears to him in a dream, instructing him to flee to Egypt to save the child Jesus from Herod’s persecution, Joseph acts without hesitation. Later, when it is safe to return, he again follows God’s guidance, settling in Nazareth. This narrative shows us that faith is not passive but active—it requires us to listen to God’s voice and act courageously, even when the path is uncertain. Joseph’s obedience and trust in God’s providence become a model for us as we navigate our own challenges.
These readings remind us that our relationships with others, especially within our families, are opportunities to live out our faith. Just as Joseph trusted God’s plan for his family, we too can place our trust in God’s providence, even when life seems unpredictable. Let us honor our parents and care for one another, not just out of duty, but as a way of expressing our love for God. May we, like Joseph, be attentive to God’s voice and courageous in following His will, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us home.