Feast of the Holy Family (Year C)

 Feast of the Holy Family December 29, 2024

Sirach 3, 2 – 6, 12 - 14; (1 Sam 1, 20 – 28) 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24; (Col 3, 12 – 21) Luke 2:41-52

(image courtesy: Google)

A little kid narrates the story of burnt biscuits: When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed. Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite. When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone.

As we gather on this solemn feast of the Holy Family, we are invited to reflect deeply on the example set for us by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The Holy Family is not just a portrait of a perfect family but a model for us to strive toward in our own families. They reflect values that are foundational to living out our faith in the family setting: love, sacrifice, obedience, and the nurturing of faith.

In today’s world, the institution of the family faces numerous challenges. We see families fractured by various pressures such as economic hardship, societal changes, and moral relativism. Yet, the Feast of the Holy Family calls us back to the significance of family as the domestic church, the first place where we encounter God, love, and community. The Holy Family invites us to reflect on what it means to be a family rooted in faith and devotion to one another.

At the heart of the Holy Family is love. Love is the bond that united Mary and Joseph, and it is the love that enables them to accept God’s will in their lives. Mary’s acceptance of the Annunciation and Joseph’s willingness to take Mary as his wife despite societal pressures underscore a deep communal and selfless love. Their love was not self-serving; rather, it was other-centered, focused on fulfilling God’s will.

In our own families, we are called to cultivate this kind of love—one that is patient, forgiving, and sacrificial. St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians that we heard today gives us a practical framework: “Put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14). This is a challenge for us all, as love requires effort, humility, and sometimes sacrifice. When we struggle to love each other as we ought, we must remember the example of the Holy Family, whose love was rooted in faith and obedience to God.

The Holy Family was not only bonded by love but also by their shared faith. They practiced their beliefs together. They attended the Passover festival, which is a beautiful example of the importance of faith-based traditions in the lives of families. It is through these shared experiences that faith is passed down from one generation to the next.

In our current context, the question arises: how are we nurturing a faith-filled environment in our families? Are we taking the time to pray together, to attend Mass together, and to discuss our faith? Are we encouraging one another to grow spiritually, to read Scripture, and to participate in the life of the Church? The Holy Family teaches us that cultivating faith is not merely a personal effort; it is a communal one. Just as Mary and Joseph guided Jesus, we too must guide our children and each other in the journey of faith.

The Holy Family also teaches us how to face challenges with faith. Mary and Joseph encountered hardships that could have easily led to despair. From the uncertainty of Mary’s pregnancy to the exile in Egypt, they faced turbulent circumstances that tested their faith. Yet, they remained steadfast, trusting in God’s providential care.

Life can be challenging for our families as well. Conflicts arise, misunderstandings occur, and life’s pressures can weigh heavy. How do we respond when faced with trials? The Holy Family exemplifies perseverance. They remind us to lean on God in prayer, trusting that He is ever-present and guiding us through life's difficulties. We must remember that challenges can strengthen our bonds and foster resilience if approached with faith and love.

As we reflect on the Holy Family, we are reminded that our families are called to be a witness to the world. After witnessing the love, faith, and resilience of the Holy Family, we are challenged to model these virtues in our own lives. Our families should be beacons of hope in a world that often feels fractured. By living as a Holy Family, we can demonstrate the beauty of Christian love and commitment. When others observe our families, they should see the joy, peace, and unity that comes from being grounded in Christ. Let us strive to embody the values of the Holy Family so that our love may be a testimony to God’s presence in the world. 

As we celebrate this Feast of the Holy Family, let us commit ourselves anew to following the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Let us cultivate love within our families, nourish our faith through shared experiences, and face challenges with resilience. We are challenged to be intentional in creating a family environment that reflects the values of the Holy Family—one characterized by love, faith, and a willingness to serve one another.

May we draw strength from their example and seek the grace to become families that reflect Christ’s love to one another and to the world. Let us pray for families everywhere, that they might find inspiration and support in this Holy Family we celebrate today. 

As we journey together through this life, may we always remember that love binds every family, just like in the Holy Family, and leads us ever closer to God. 

Happy Feast