In his homily, Father Jim reflects on the idea of 'family' through the lens of the Holy Family and the broader spiritual family of the Church. He shares that as a priest, his parish is both his home and family. Even during holidays, he prioritizes his parish responsibilities, with his natural family understanding and adapting to his unique vocation.
Father Jim emphasizes the call for all Christians to expand their view of family beyond their biological ties to embrace their spiritual family—the Church. He draws from scripture to illustrate this, particularly Jesus' teaching that those who hear and obey God’s word are His true family. He notes Jesus’ shift from identifying with His earthly family to focusing on His mission and identity as a child of God.
The readings of the feast of the Holy Family highlight this theme:
Hannah's story in the Old Testament shows her dedication of her son Samuel to God, recognizing that her child belongs to God above all else.
The First Letter of John reminds us that we are God's children, beloved and part of His family.
Father Jim acknowledges the challenges many face in their natural families, such as estrangement or unfulfilled desires, but he encourages everyone to find belonging and purpose within the Church. He highlights how the Church offers opportunities for love, forgiveness, service, and community.
He concludes by inviting listeners to view their parish as a family where they are connected and supported, encouraging them to see the Church as a place to grow in faith and become part of the Holy Family of God.
Journal and reflect on the following
Identity and Belonging How can we deepen our sense of belonging to the Church as our spiritual family, and how might this shape our identity as children of God?
Balancing Commitments Father Jim speaks about prioritizing parish commitments over time with his natural family. How do you balance commitments to your faith community with those to your biological family?
Embracing the Call to Stretch In what ways can you 'stretch yourself' to view the Church community as family, and what challenges might you face in doing so?
Lessons from the Holy Family Although we know little about the daily lives of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, what lessons can we draw from their example of faith and trust in God?
Sacrificial Love Hannah dedicated her child to God, and many Christians leave behind their families to follow Christ’s mission. What sacrifices might God be calling you to make in your life?
Overcoming Family Struggles For those with challenging family relationships, how can the Church help provide healing, connection, and a sense of belonging?
Living Out Church as Family What practical steps can we take in our parish communities to foster a stronger sense of family, support, and mutual love among members?
Discuss
Song - Who You Say I Am
Final Prayer
Loving Father, we thank You for the gift of family—both the families we are born into and the spiritual family of Your Church. Help us to stretch our hearts and minds to see beyond our natural bonds and embrace the community of faith You have given us. Teach us to love, forgive, and serve one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. May we find our identity as Your beloved children and live out the call to belong, not only to our earthly families but to Your eternal family. Strengthen us to follow Jesus' example, placing You at the center of our lives and embracing the mission of love and unity You have entrusted to us. Amen.
