December 28, 2025・Feast of the Holy Family (A)

Sirach 3.2-6,12-14・Psalm 128.2+3ab3cd+5+6a ・ Colossians 3.12-21・

Matthew 2.13-15,19-23

After Christmas Day, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Taking the Holy Family (Jesus Mary & Joseph) as a model family, we are all resolved that family life is a beautiful thing and is a vocation. Each family is called to Holiness in many and different ways. The parents take the responsibility to take care of and protect the children. Our readings today talk about honoring/respecting parents too caring for each member of the family and living in peace. Our Gospel reading today specifically shows how the Holy Family faced a danger with Joseph fleeing with Jesus and Mary to escape Herod`s threat. We can also find the account in the bible narrating about the child Jesus being lost (at least on the understanding of Mary and Joseph as concerned parents) with their anxiety while later finding their child (Child Jesus) in the temple.

The scope of our reflection today however does not limit on looking at the Holy Family with simply the image of the Child Jesus with Joseph and Mary faithfully staying on His side. Years after, Mary will find her son drawing people to him. Some people listen and follow while at the later part seeing a figure of a son becoming object of great hostility arrest, and trial. Mary had to go through pain as a mother. Joseph as a father has been quiet from then. Mentions about Joseph`s name fade away giving way for God`s plan to take over. Jesus was sentenced, scourged, crowned with thorns and died with two criminals before judgmental crowds and few others heart-broken for Jesus but not heard at all.  

We are all invited to see how the Holy Family faced real struggles while each member put each one`s trust and faith in God who beautifully planned it all. Today`s Feast of the Holy Family shows us that God works through family life and is always present in our respective homes.

Today we also intend to spent time reflecting on Family and the Church. The Church as one Family in Christ prays helps and supports every family in creating Christian vision of unconditional love with the Holy Family as model. May the abundance of God`s blessing be for every Christian family and non-Christian families alike.