Gospel Reflection for the Feast of the Holy Family

December 31st.

This Sunday, we remember and celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. It might be true to say that the focus of attention leading up and during the celebration of the Nativity is Jesus.  This Sunday, we acknowledge the whole family!

There is often a sense of nostalgia and romance about the birth of Jesus. This can be heard in the best of our much loved Christmas Carols and even seen in the worst of our Christmas cards! These cards show us a crisp winter night, stars in the sky and snow on the manger. That is not to say that they are not helpful, but we need to look beyond them, particularly on this great and important feast.

Mary was called personally by her name and asked to take on what would seem to be an impossible task. However, she was not expected to do what she was asked by herself or to rely on her on own efforts or strength. On hearing that she was to be the mother of Jesus, ‘she was deeply disturbed and wondered what the greeting could mean.’ Told not to be afraid, she was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. She was strengthened and encouraged by God to do what was asked of her. Joseph too was called to take on a role he did not ask for. Like Mary, he too heard the message, ‘do not to be afraid.’ God who called both of them would not ignore or abandoned them as they became the parents of Jesus. Jesus too in his own life and ministry was guided and led by God. He said, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, I have been called to bring the good news to the poor.’ Even Jesus does not rely on his own efforts!

On this feast of the Holy Family, it good to pray in gratefulness and thanks for our own parents and family. No one’s family is perfect. All our family members, including ourselves have made mistakes and gotten things wrong. We have all done and said things that we have later regretted. Regardless of this, we owe our family everything and for this we thanks God.

St. Eugene, deMazenod, the founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate came from what today could be called a ‘broken family.’ His parent’s divorced in 1795. Eugene was just seventeen years of age. This happened at a time when divorce was rare. Eugene had a far from ideal family life. He is the Patron Saint of Broken Families.  Prayers to St. Eugene can be very helpful and supportive for people who are experiencing problems in their family life. On this feast day, let us do just that; let us pray for all those we know who are experiencing the pain and difficulty of problems in their married and family life.

May the Holy Family of Nazareth bless, guide and protect all our families, now and always.

• MIchael Moore OMI