Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Feast of the Holy Family; (Jesus, Mary and Joseph):
Sunday, December 31, 2023

Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3: As this passage so clearly exemplifies, having or being part of a vibrant and faith-filled family is truly a gift from God! Whether we’re  fulfilling one role or many roles in the
family; participation in family life and household dynamics is how and where we learn so much about the social aspects of our faith. At home, interacting with our nearest and dearest loved ones, is where most of us begin to learn to develop and practice real virtue.

While family life is, undeniably a huge gift; it’s also a “challenge;” a proving or testing ground for learning communication skills, problem-solving, conflict resolution and how to self-sacrifice. Jesus, Mary and Joseph are a great example for us; of virtue, whether Holy Family Sunday or anytime.

Psalm 105: “The Lord remembers His Covenant, forever.” This psalm persuasively invites us to petition God for help and invoke Him with ardent trust. Simultaneously, we’re being called to cultivate an outlook of confident faith and hopefulness. Faith and hope in God are implicitly rewarded with “knowledge of God,” or “more intimate interactions” with our Creator.

As we grow in closeness and familiarity with God, we’re inspired to offer more heartfelt thanks and gratitude to God. Souls close to God, like Mary and Joseph and like today’s psalmist ardently thank and offer God more earnest and sincere adoration, glory, praise and gratitude. This week, let’s contemplate family members who’ve been role-models of holiness for us. Let’s try to be more aware of and appreciate the blessings we’ve received from them, throughout our lives. If our benefactors are living, we can make efforts to approach and thank them; while, if they’ve passed on, we can pray for them and acknowledge them in our prayers. This is a great time of year for giving thanks for God’s faithfulness and for that of our inspiring family members, friends or mentors.

Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19: Now, St. Paul reminds us of another holy family of faith; Abraham, Sarah and their child, Isaac; born so late in their lives! Because of their faith and trust in God, Abraham and Sarah received power to conceive new life; and an enormous legacy of many descendants, though they were beyond normal ages suitable for fertility. Mary and Joseph and Jesus were part of many experiences of the supernatural throughout their lives. Joseph and Mary both had great faith. From the very start, the Holy Family had ponderous faith that invited and welcomed many miracles of obedience to God, in confidence and trust; throughout their lives. The first miracle of Joseph’s and Mary’s faith-filled marriage was  Jesus’ own miraculous conception!

Luke 2:22-40:  As we read of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, let’s contemplate the characteristics of faith that Simeon, Anna, Mary and Joseph share. They share a profound belief in God. They share a total commitment to living their faith, in service to and worship of God. They share supernatural awareness of the Presence of God; (Jesus), and of God’s works.

We can also conclude that all four of these saints and Jesus Himself share an acceptance of and trust in Divine prophecy and the promises of God. They all also share in the Joy… the joy and serenity that belief in our Most Holy Trinity brings. On this feast of the Holy Family, let’s place ourselves in this Gospel scene, in contemplation. Let’s rejoice with Mary and Joseph and with the holy old ones, in Jesus’ Presentation! Believe! Obey!

Rejoice! Contemplatively,
Deacon Matt