The Feast of the Holy Family, celebrated this year on December 29, shines as a beacon of hope for families striving for holiness during the Christmas Octave. This feast not only honors the human family to which Jesus belonged but also serves as a clarion call for Christian families today, urging them to emulate the virtues exemplified by Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph.
Each year, Catholic families gather to contemplate how they could embody the traits of the Holy Family. The Holy Family was not just any family; they exemplified obedience to God's laws as faithful Jews. The Gospels portray Joseph as "a righteous man" (Mt. 1:19) and Mary as the devoted "handmaid of the Lord." Their unwavering commitment to Jewish customs demonstrates the importance of adhering to God's commandments as families. Observing the Ten Commandments is fundamental, and families are encouraged to reflect on areas of improvement together, particularly focusing on honoring God and integrating faith deeply within daily life.
Indeed, as parents, you can take inspiration from the Holy Family by serving and protecting each other. They faced numerous challenges, including oppression and societal rejection, yet their faith and unity prevailed. Maintaining safety, particularly against the dangers our children face today, is necessary. Just as Saint Joseph guarded Jesus from Herod’s threat, modern families must guard their loved ones from both physical and emotional perils.
Keeping Christ at the center is perhaps one of the most important reflections. The Holy Family thrived because their lives revolved around Jesus. Do families today prioritize prayer and fellowship with God? Are you orienting your activities around living out the faith? It's imperative to make decisions with God at the center.
Families are also encouraged to lead others to Christ, fulfilling their responsibilities to sanctify one another. The act of striving for holiness within the family unit can inspire other families to pursue similar paths. A vibrant community yields heightened opportunities for shared joy and support, fostering faith-based connections during shared activities like Mass and celebrations of liturgical feasts.
Reflecting on modern narratives, we see families like the one recounted by one Catholic father who faced immense challenges for the sake of his family. Their harrowing migration story resonates with the trials the Holy Family faced when they fled to Egypt after the birth of Jesus. Just as the Holy Family escaped Herod's tyranny, this father and his wife protected their daughter as they searched for freedom and security.
The father bravely crossed the treacherous Rio Grande, struggling against the current with his daughter on his back. His unwavering faith guided him, just as Joseph's divine inspiration did during the perilous times. After enduring this grueling trial, this modern family also found hope and safety, reminiscent of the Holy Family's return to Nazareth, showing us how faith can triumph over adversities?
It’s only fitting to highlight the compassion we should extend to families facing crises whether they are immigrants seeking refuge or households struggling through different challenges. The migration struggles echo the trials of the Holy Family—a potent reminder this Christmas season not to turn away from those who seek shelter and love. Just as God desires us to love each other, we must resist nostalgia for neglectful attitudes akin to Herod’s rejection of the Holy Family.
With every challenge faced, the message surrounding the Feast of the Holy Family remains clear: families are encouraged to sanctify their hearts and nurture one another through faith. When families commit to these values, they contribute to a collective light against the darkness. The call to serve, love, and keep holiness at the forefront reflects the core tenets of Christianity.
During this Christmas season, active faith and love will pave the way toward achieving this ideal. Families are invited to renew their dedication to living as the Holy Family did—pushing beyond the minimum observed practices to forge true community and charity, spreading the warmth of faith through their actions.
Holy Family Sunday urges us not just to cherish family but to transform it through acts of faith and service. By doing so, modern families imitate the sacred model provided by Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph, striving together to create not just homes but sanctuaries for spirituality, support, and love, preparing their path to heaven.
