As we honor the Holy Family, let us ask their help and guidance in imitating their mutual respect, generosity, and loving kindness
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (December 26, 2021): SIR 3:2-6,12-14; PS 128:1-2,3,4-5; COL 3:12-21;LK 2:41-52
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
In the second reading today, we are reminded what it means to live a life of faith and commitment to serving our Lord.
On this feast day, established just one hundred years ago, we contemplate our Savior Jesus Christ, His beloved mother Mary, and His dear foster father Joseph as member of one family, one household. After the Holy Family’s return from Egypt where they were sent to escape King Herod’s plan for the Holy Child’s death, we hear nothing more until the unusual story in today’s Gospel when He is twelve years old. Then, again, there is only silence in the Scriptures up to the time Jesus is ready to begin to go out into the world to accomplish all His Heavenly Father had entrusted to Him. In the Gospels Jesus is sometimes referred to as the carpenter’s Son, but we never again see St. Joseph. He very likely died before Jesus’ public mission began and, in the company of Jesus and Mary, it was surely a peaceful passing. Happily though, we do meet the Blessed Virgin Mary again and know she was with our Lord during His passion. From his cross, Jesus entrusted her to St. John, and he to her. And we, too, were blessed to be able to call her our mother.
In the second reading today, we are reminded what it means to live a life of faith and commitment to serving our Lord. “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. … Over all these put on love. … And let the peace of Christ control you hearts., the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:12-15). The Holy Family illustrates what this means. First, for families, of course, but also for every person who walks in the way of Christ with generosity, humility, and perseverance.
Suggested missionary action: We can make a special point of praying today not only for our own family members but also for all families, especially those who face particular challenges. Pope Benedict XVI offered this prayer: “O God, who in the Holy Family left us a perfect model of family life loved in faith and obedience to your will, help us to be examples of faith and love for your commandments.”
