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Contents: Volume 2 December 28, 2025
1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP -2. -- 3. --
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The first reading from the book of Sirach is aimed right at parents and children. Do you think Mary and Joseph or even Jesus might have spoken a little less than kindly, humanly speaking, when Jesus was a child or teenager or adult? Think on the way home after reuniting at the temple when Jesus was 12 or when Jesus and Mary spoke about the wine at the wedding feast at Cana?
The Gospel tells a fairly calm story with little emotional reaction about this holy family welcoming a newborn Jesus in the environment of a stable and then, because of another dream Joseph has, immediately fleeing those who were seeking to murder the Baby. Then they had to follow yet another unplanned part of their life’s journey in a foreign land. I wonder if either Mary or Joseph mumbled to one another or to the Father or if Joseph was really so very silent as they questioned circumstances of their still faithful “Yes”, still following the will of the Father.
I’d like to make two points here. First, although it says that we are to “be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48), I think the understanding of being “perfected” with the help of the Holy Spirit is more like what we humans, including the Holy Family, actually meet in everyday life. Secondly, this applies to ALL our interactions, not just within immediate families. We need the Holy Spirit's help to follow what Mary and Joseph said and did.. and Jesus, too, that is following the will of the Father.
The Letter to the Colossians gives the readers/hearers of old and us another pathway of virtues to attempt instead of the subtleties of violence and downright hatred that occur far too often in human interactions. Let us strife to catch ourselves when we are sarcastic, demeaning, manipulative, partially truthful, exclusive, and even feeling “holier than thou”. Replacing those harsh thoughts, words or actions, one at a time, will result in a far more peaceful, calm, and accepting environment for all of us… in our hearts, workplaces, schools, parishes, communities, and places we live… and hopefully, the world.
Blessings, Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP Southern Dominican Laity
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****************************************************** ****************************************************** 4. ****************************************************** ****************************************************** 5. ****************************************************** Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week. They are written by various guest authors. If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster. Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.
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A service of The Order of Preachers,
The Dominicans. (form revised 10/13/2025) |
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I am not sure if those who select the readings for each day live alone, in
community, or in a more standard family arrangement (whatever that may be). In
my opinion, the timing of the readings for the Feast of the Holy Family after
Christmas is one of necessity whether it be because of personal experiences of
those folks or purely the influence of the Holy Spirit! Christmas gatherings
are blessed with wonderful but often challenging circumstances that invite
personal reflection immediately afterwards, not just for immediate family
members but for all relationships. 
