Readings:
1 Samuel 1, or Sirach 3, Psalm 84, 1 John 3 or 3 Colossians, Luke 2:41–52
Today, within the Octave of Christmas, we reflect on the Holy Family. The initials J+M+J—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—serve as a reminder of God’s plan of salvation. This simple yet profound model reveals how God’s love was made manifest through the humble calling of a family.
Think about your own family—or perhaps even your in-laws. There is often that one family member who tests our patience, challenging us to resist lashing out, suspend judgment, and instead show love and understanding. The Holy Family was holy not only because of their virtues but also because they remained faithful to their Jewish traditions. As today’s Gospel from Luke recounts, they journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. During this pilgrimage, Mary and Joseph experienced a moment of worry and human frailty when they misplaced 12-year-old Jesus, who had stayed behind in the temple, astonishing the elders with His wisdom.
Even Mary, as a mother, had her moments. Yet, the key message in Jesus’s response when she found Him was profound: “Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house?” The Gospel writer Luke tells us that Jesus was obedient to Mary and Joseph throughout His life, while Mary treasured all these moments in her heart. We, too, can learn from the Holy Family’s example by honoring the third commandment: keeping the Sabbath holy. This includes going to the House of the Lord and celebrating His presence together. We should read our bibles and reflect upon God’s word within our families. Committing to being part of a church community can be challenging, but it is essential for grounding our family in an enduring love with God at its center.
The Holy Family faced many challenges, yet they were holy because they allowed God’s will to guide their decisions. When Joseph received the dream to take the Holy Family to Egypt to escape King Herod’s attempt to kill the infant Jesus, they fled in obedience. When Joseph took Mary as his wife & traveled to Bethlehem for the census to start the Holy Family’s life together, it was divine providence. Pious & holy Saint Joseph cast aside his doubt, fear & pride to humbly follow God’s will. Likewise, when the humble and pious Mary and Joseph celebrated Passover, they faithfully made the journey to Jerusalem. These profound events in the life of the Holy Family remind us of the importance of keeping God at the center of our lives.
The beloved priest Father Patrick Peyton reminds us, “The family that prays together stays together.” Learn more about his legacy at www.fatherpeyton.org.
Make prayer a cornerstone of your life, and never lose hope. God favors the family as His simple yet profound plan to reveal His love to the world today.
Holy Family, Pray for Us.
StreetEvangelist 