Christopher Looby
Feast of the Holy Family
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, honoring the love and devotion of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model for all families.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we read the story of the Holy Family's flight to Egypt to escape the threat of King Herod (Mt 2:13-15). Despite the challenges and hardships they faced, Mary and Joseph remained devoted to one another and to their son, Jesus.
Later, after their return from Egypt, we see the obedience of Mary and Joseph as they follow the guidance of the angel and settle in the town of Nazareth (Mt 2:19-23). In this story, we see the selfless love of Mary and Joseph as they care for and protect Jesus, and we see their obedience to the will of God, even when it requires sacrifice and hardship.
The Holy Family teaches us about the virtues of love, obedience, and humility. We can strive to imitate their example by putting the needs of our loved ones before our own, living a life of obedience to God, and cultivating humility in our relationships with one another.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, let us pray for the grace to imitate the virtues of love, obedience, and humility in our own families.
May we strive to model our families after the example of the Holy Family, and may we find strength and guidance in their example as we navigate the challenges and joys of family life.