The Gospel reading for the feast of the Holy Family gives us some insights into the lives of the members of that family. They often prayed together and faithfully kept their religious Jewish tradition. Every year they travelled to Jerusalem in the company of their neighbors and relatives to celebrate Pascha. We can imitate their zeal for communal praise of God. May our families be a domestic church.
While remaining in the temple, Jesus impressed the scribes with His profound knowledge. This knowledge was not miraculously infused in Him. He had to work hard to acquire it. May our youth imitate Him in that regard, while searching for their own vocation according to God’s will for the wellbeing of society. May they, too, grow in wisdom and respect for their parents.
Mary, Joseph, and Jesus lived happily in Nazareth, a poor Palestinian village. They teach us that true joy does not mean possessing many material things; but it is based on being authentically present to others and supporting each other, and in difficulties remembering God’s Providence.
– Fr. Toni Baranowski SJ