CLE 8 MODULE

Lesson 3: The Holy Family
The Holy Family And What We Can Learn From Them

Today’s Inspiration is all about what we can learn from the Holy Family to help our
own families grow in faith and love.
Did you know there’s a family you can model your own family after? No, it’s not the
family who sends you the picture-perfect Christmas cards each year. Or, the family
who seems to have it all together on Facebook. It’s the Holy Family – Jesus, Mary,
and Joseph. And, on the last Sunday of the year, we honor them as we celebrate the
Feast of the Holy Family. There’s a lot we can learn from the Holy Family that can
help our own family grow in faith and love.
A Model of Faithfulness
The Holy Family is a model of faithfulness. They were totally devoted to God and his
call on their lives. And, they faithfully followed their God-given vocations.
The Faithfulness of Mary
I’m amazed when I think about Mary’s faithfulness. In particular, her response when
the angel appeared to her and told her she would give birth to the savior of the
world. She didn’t shrink in fear. Or run to get someone’s opinion. Or even hesitate.
She just said ‘yes.’ Throughout her life, Mary continued to model faithfulness as she
tended to her home, cared for and raised Jesus, and ultimately surrendered her will
to God’s as she watched Jesus suffer and die.
The Faithfulness of Joseph
Similarly, Joseph’s faithfulness to God’s plan was just as strong. When he learned of
Mary’s impending pregnancy, he didn’t shun her. Or judge her. Or leave her or the
family he was about to lead. Instead, he obeyed and believed what the angel told
him. He was faithful to God plan. Joseph was a solid leader of his family. He
protected them from those who wanted to hurt them and he provided for them
through his occupation as a humble and hardworking carpenter.
The Faithfulness of Jesus
Jesus’ faithfulness to his heavenly Father was unwavering. Throughout his ministry,
he was criticized, judged, and ridiculed and eventually put to death. But, because of
his faithfulness, we are able to share in eternal life with him.
Story of The Holy Family
Parent and Family Background
Matthew’s gospel presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the scriptures. This particular
story is a good example. In a dream, an angel warns Joseph. So, Mary, Joseph, and
Jesus flee from Bethlehem to Egypt because Herod plans to destroy the newborn
king.
After the holy family escapes, Herod slaughters all the male children in Bethlehem,
fulfilling the passage from Jeremiah 31:15. After Herod’s death, the family can return
to Bethlehem, fulfilling the passage from Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt I have called my
son.” Again, an angel warns Joseph not to return to Bethlehem, so the holy family
goes to Nazareth, fulfilling another prophecy, “He shall be called a Nazarene” from
Matthew 2:23.
The Holy Family: The Flight Into Egypt Matthew 2:13-15
After the magi departed, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. They
angel said, “Rise, take the child and his mother. Flee to Egypt and stay there until I
tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
Joseph rose and took the child and Mary. In the middle of the night, they left for
Egypt. The family stayed there until Herod’s death.
Thus it happened as God had spoken through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my
son.”
Activity: Answer the following questions and circle the correct answer.
1. After Herod died, the Holy Family moved to _________________
A. Bethlehem b. Nazareth c. Jerusalem
2. _______________ was Jesus' foster-father.
A. Jerry b. God c. Joseph
3. Joseph was a ______________________
A. Carpenter b. teacher c. electrician
4. ____________________ was Jesus' mother.
A. Margaret b. Martha c. Mary
5. Mary took care of their home for the ______________ Family
A. Holy b. Old c. Whole
6. Jesus was ___________________ to Mary and Joseph
A. Bad b. obedient c. careless
7. The father of Jesus is _____________________
A. God b. Joseph c. Holy Spirit
8. Jesus, Mary and Joseph are the ______________ ______________
A. Only Family b. Holy Family c. Single Family
9. Through Baptism, Jesus is our _____________________________
A. Cousin b. son c. brother
10. Jesus always did what was _______________________ to his heavenly Father
A. Pleasing b. pleasant c. plaguing

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Lesson 3: The Holy Family

The Holy Family And What We Can Learn From Them

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