Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: December 29, 2024
Readings: Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14; Psalm 128:1–5; Colossians 3:12–21; Luke 2:41–52
1. Life as Pilgrimage of Faith
The passage of Luke 2:41–52 recounts a profound moment in the life of Jesus and His family, offering us a glimpse into the divine mystery of His identity and mission. It is the only Gospel account of Jesus' youth, highlighting His wisdom and the tension between His earthly life and divine calling. Often we become restless and angry when our children grow and choose the path which may not be to our liking. We might be unconsciously trying to control them or we might be thinking that they are not capable of choosing their career path.
The journey of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover reminds us of the importance of pilgrimage in the spiritual life. Pilgrimages are outward journeys that mirror our inward search for God. Mary and Joseph’s commitment to this practice shows their deep faith and obedience to the traditions of their faith community.
2. In search of Jesus
As a young boy Jesus misses out in the rush of the crowd and the overwhelmingly enormous sea of people in Jerusalem. The anguish of Mary and Joseph of not finding Jesus in their company is unexplainable. We can imagine their fear and anxiety, uncertainty and doubt. Their three days of search for the young lad finally results in finding him in the temple.
Jesus’ response to His parents, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” reveals His deep awareness of His divine identity and mission. Instead of anger and frustration, both Mary and Joseph bring the boy back home. Often we live in tension in our families when members develop their own thinking whcih may not be in synchrony with others. As a result a lot of misunderstanding causes conflicts. That's why listening to each member is very essential in our families.
3. Complete and definite trust in God
Mary’s reaction at the whole episode of finding Jesus in the temple is one of wonder and contemplation. She does not fully understand but treasures these moments in her heart. Her example teaches us to hold the mysteries of our faith with humility and trust, even when clarity eludes us. In the words of Pope Francis in the family “We remain steadfast in our intention to respect others, to heal wounds, to build bridges, to strengthen relationships and to ‘bear one another’s burdens.”
On this day of the feast of the Holy Family, it's a reminder that the journey of faith is dynamic, often marked by moments of loss, discovery, and profound insight. Like Mary and Joseph, we are called to persevere in our pilgrimage of faith, always seeking, always pondering, and always trusting in the God who calls us to deeper communion with Him. As a family, we must work out ways and means to strengthen our bond with one another while growing closer in our relationship with God. May we, too, find Jesus in the temple of our hearts, growing in wisdom, favour, and love as we walk with Him.
Questions for self-reflection
- Do we persist in seeking Jesus when we feel His absence in our lives?
- What does it mean to me when I say "family"?
- Are we attentive to the call of God in our lives?
6 comments:
Dear Fr. Olvin Veigas SJ,
Thank you for your profound reflections, which my friends and I eagerly await to reflect upon and share.
I was especially touched by this line:
As a family, we must work out ways and means to strengthen our bond with one another while growing closer in our relationship with God.
Grateful for your inspiring words. May God bless you abundantly father 🌹🙏
Dear Fr. Olvin,
Your reflection touched my heart deeply, especially when you spoke about Mary's quiet contemplation - treasuring moments in her heart even when understanding escaped her. How beautifully you've shown that family life, like Mary and Joseph's search for Jesus, is a journey of trust through uncertainty. In our own families, when our children or loved ones choose unexpected paths, perhaps God is inviting us to loosen our grip and, like Mary, simply hold these moments in our hearts with faith.
Your words remind us that holiness in family life isn't about perfection, but about walking together with love and understanding, even when the path isn't clear. 🙏
With gratitude for this beautiful reminder,
Joilin
Thank you for the beautiful reflection once again
Thank you, father for your insights and inspiration as usual. Just motivational
I could draw a twofold understanding from your dynamic reflection.
1. Religious life as a pilgrimage which mirrors our inward search for God, where one's presence can be a healing and to discover God's love in others.
2. Family : where the foundation of faith is laid. A simple gesture of love and kindness can bring a lot more changes in contrast to families which are divided due to ego and misunderstandings.
Your reflections inspires me to strengthen my bond with my family and deepen my faith as a religious in my community living.
Thank you father for your insights and inspiration as usual. Just motivational
Post a Comment