Gospel Reflection for Feast of the Holy Family – Sunday 31st December 2017

The Gospel of today’s feast presents us with Mary and Joseph who have brought the child Jesus to present him in the temple. In the Holy Family, we see the model of every family, called to be a communion of life and love. The word “family” comes from the Latin “famulari” meaning “to serve”. The family is the natural and principal environment in which human persons can fulfil their innate vocation to love, by giving themselves to each other.

Family members serve firstly by praying for each other. The effort to understand and forgive is another great service of love, and daily life offers countless opportunities to serve others in practical ways, through housework, giving someone a lift, or being a good listener.

In the coming months we will have the opportunity and duty to proclaim the true nature of marriage as a priceless treasure for the individual person and for society as a whole. To explain the true nature of marriage as a faithful union between husband and wife open to the gift of children, is a genuine act of service to others, even when it is not regarded as “politically correct”.

In today’s Gospel, Simeon tells Our Lady that her divine Son will be “a sign that is spoken against” (v. 34). Moreover “a sword will pierce through [her] own soul also” (v. 35). Being faithful to Christ may not always be comfortable or expedient, but it is always worthwhile because He is the true “consolation” (v. 25) and “salvation” (v. 30) of humanity and the world.

Let us ask the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to watch over all families, especially those which are suffering in any way. We pray that we may give a respectful and clear witness to the truth and dignity of marriage in the coming year.