Reflection for Sunday December 28 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.

When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 

But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

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Reflection:

The story is told of a husband and wife who had been married in the Church for more than twenty years. They were blessed with four grown-up children. One day, while the wife was rummaging through her husband’s belongings, she discovered a long-kept secret: her husband had another family.

To make a long story short, she confronted him and demanded that he choose between his legitimate family and his other family. Sadly, the philandering husband chose the latter. This painful story reminds us of how fragile families can become when faithfulness and commitment are set aside.

Today, we celebrate the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Unlike this heartbreaking story, the Holy Family stands firm—solid as a rock. They remained together through persecution, uncertainty, hardship, and trials, trusting always in God’s loving plan.

Saint Joseph stands before us as the model head of the family. He was obedient to the will of God, faithful to the Blessed Mother, and a loving protector of the Child Jesus. He had no other family and no divided heart. His life teaches us that true fatherhood and leadership are rooted in obedience, fidelity, and self-giving love.

As parents and family members, we are the drivers of our families. Where we go, our families follow. When we are faithful, responsible, and rooted in God, we help lead our families toward wholeness and holiness. But when we neglect our responsibilities, our children often bear the consequences when they form families of their own.

Our families are our domestic Church. It is within our homes that faith is first taught, prayers are first learned, and values are first formed. It is here where our children learn about God, morals, and respect for others. What will happen to them if we do not take time to nurture their faith? What if we do not bring them to Holy Mass? What if we fail to teach them our Roman Catholic faith? What if we neglect to teach them how to pray the Rosary, one of the most treasured and powerful prayers of the family?

As we honor the Holy Family today, let us examine our own families and our own hearts. Are we striving to make our homes places of faith, love, forgiveness, and prayer? Are we willing to follow the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, even when the road is difficult?

What kind of family are we building, and are we truly leading our loved ones closer to God—or farther away from Him? — Marino J. Dasmarinas