Jesus shows us how to live in the kingdom of God, that is, in God’s great human family.  To be with us is who and what our model is in essence. 

There are those who at times think things are easy for Mary and Joseph.  For the child Jesus to be with Mary and Joseph means the family can do all things.  After all, the child is Savior, Messiah and Lord.  Besides, all that Joseph has to do not to be in dire straits is to dream.

Those who think thus may believe that not much should be expected of them.  For they do not see Jesus to be with them as he is with Mary and Joseph.  And no angel comes to them, and they fall short of being holy as Jesus and his parents are.

But to think so is to lose sight of the teaching that Jesus is like us in all things.  Hence, he is not free from the hardships we go through, though he does not sin.

To think so is to forget also that our justification is not due to our works.  It is due to our faith in him who takes away the sins of the world; he does not take our sin into account (Rom 4, 8; Ps 32, 1).

So, what counts is God’s grace.  And it does not always free us from hardships; it is enough that it makes us strong to bear hardships.

Hence, we have no excuse not to take the Holy Family as our families’ model.  No doubt, we all sin and fall short of God’s glory.  Still and all, God offers us salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Just as God, then, is with the Holy Family, he also will not fail to be with our families.  He stretches out to us his mighty and saving arm.  And he makes known to us his goodness and mercy in the ups and downs of family life.

Lord Jesus, you deign to be with us and nourish us with your word, and with your body and blood.  Make us listen to you and receive you always, in times of joys and griefs, of hopes and anxieties.  We shall thus be part of your family.  And grant us to rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, be steadfast in prayer, so we can do all things (SV.EN XI:76).

28 December 2025
Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (A)
Sir 3, 2-6. 12-14; Col 3, 12-21; Mt 2, 13-15. 19-23