Sunday Reflections | Feast of the Holy Family
By SIDTP SoCom
Published on December 29, 2024
Each year, Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them.
He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
On the Feast of the Holy Family, this Gospel highlights a moment of tension, misunderstanding, and growth within the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. At its heart, it reminds us of the sacredness of family life and the challenges and blessings that come with it.
The Holy Family, though uniquely graced, was not exempt from struggles. Mary and Joseph’s frantic search for Jesus reflects the anxiety and concern that every parent feels when something goes wrong. Their experience shows us that even holy families face difficulties, misunderstandings, and moments of confusion. What sets them apart is how they respond—with love, trust, and faith.
Jesus’ response, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” reveals His growing awareness of His divine mission. Yet, it also reminds us that His understanding is far beyond ours. Mary and Joseph didn’t fully grasp His words, but they accepted them, trusting in God’s plan even when it was unclear. Mary’s habit of “keeping all these things in her heart” teaches us the importance of prayerful reflection when faced with life’s mysteries.
This passage also emphasizes the balance in Jesus’ life. Although He recognized His unique relationship with God the Father, He returned to Nazareth and lived obediently within His earthly family. This obedience highlights the value of humility and respect within family life, even as we pursue God’s will.
The Holy Family is a model for all families. They remind us to strive for holiness in the ordinary moments of life: caring for one another, supporting each other through challenges, and staying rooted in faith. No family is perfect, but every family is called to grow in love, forgiveness, and unity, drawing strength from God.
As we celebrate this feast, let us reflect on our own families. How can we nurture love, understanding, and faith within our homes? Are we willing to trust in God’s plan, even when it’s unclear? Let us ask the Holy Family to intercede for us, so our families may become places where God’s love and presence are felt and shared.
May we follow their example by living with humility, prayer, and trust in God, and may we grow in wisdom and grace, just as Jesus did.
