The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

Saint: Pope Saint Felix I (3rd century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 72 The Good Zeal of Monks 

Mass: Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 or Col 3:12-21; Resp Ps 128; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 

Blessed shall you be, and favored.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, SPIRITUAL VESSEL,

JOSEPH, HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, SON OF THE VIRGIN MARY,

JESUS, OUR REFUGE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

And be thankful.

(Col 3:15)

As we turn to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph today, a family human, a family holy, a couple things come to mind. The first is something Cardinal Basil Hume said when he was speaking about vocations. "A good religious, if I may call on my own experience, receives his or her first novitiate in the family. The first lessons in prayer are not given in the seminary or novitiate; they are given at home." The second is the saying, "The family that prays together, stays together." Family members may stray throughout life, wandering here and there, trying this and that. It is part of the human maturation process. In the end though, and much before then, we remember and are thankful. Being formed in a family of faith and prayer is a blessing and gift. Whether our vocation leads us inside the monastery or outside of it, a home life of prayer prepares us to live in the way Saint Paul writes to the Colossians in today's first reading, "Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another ... And over all these, put on love ... (Col. 3:12ff). And much of the same is echoed in what has been called the most beautiful chapter in the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, Ch 72. The Good Zeal of Monks. You have read it here before; it is worth repeating over and over. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, help us to let the peace of Christ control our hearts, the peace into which we were also called in one body. And whatever we do, in word or deed, may we do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (see Col 3:15, 17). 

The Rule of Saint Benedict

CHAPTER 72. THE GOOD ZEAL OF MONKS

Just as there is a wicked zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from evil and leads to God and everlasting life. This, then, is the good zeal which monks must foster with fervent love: They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other, supporting with greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body or behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another. No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else. To their fellow monks they show the pure love of brothers; to God, loving fear; to their abbot, unfeigned and humble love. Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting live.

At that same time on this glorious Feast, we continue to pray for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, for his consolation during these difficult hours. May the Lord sustain him in the witness of love until the very end. Deus caritas est. Amen.

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

POPE SAINT FELIX I,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Our creche, detail of the Holy Family. Around your table.

© Gertrude Feick 2022