The Beauty and Mystery of the Holy Family

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season  : Holy Family*

*Gospel : Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40*

*First Reading : Sir 3:2-7, 12-14 or Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3*

*SECOND READING - Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-18*

*The Beauty and Mystery of the Holy Family*

*1) Where is the Holy Family?*

The family of Joseph is called the Holy Family 

Joseph, Mary and Jesus are the three pillers of this family 

This family is originally found in Bethlehem in a small crib 

So this is the origin of the Holy Family 

*2) What is Found in the Crib*

Crib is very simple. In the crib only few things are found. Not even some basic facilities are found in the Crib 

Even the place which was there may not be spacious. It was a congested place, yet sufficient for the urgent needs 

There is no electricity, no fan, no ac, no TV, no mobile, no WiFi networks, no bed, no pillow. It was a very poor crib 

Yet the Crib became a place for the origin of the Holy Family. Something beautiful 

*3) Who makes the Family Holy?*

This is a fundamental as well as very important question to reflect 

If one thinks, that best facilities and costly things make our family holy and happy, we are misled 

It is not the things which make the family Holy, rather the members who live in the family, makes the family Holy 

Look at the emptiness of the material things in the life of Joseph, Mary and Jesus, yet the Family became Holy Family 

*4) The Speciality of the Members*

Joseph, Mary and Jesus are the members of the Holy Family 

Joseph is a just, sincere, God fearing, silent, and humble person who always listened to the voice of the Lord 

Mary, who was full of Grace, favoured by God, totally surrendering to Gods will and remaining faithful to the Lord 

Jesus who obeyed God's will and became man, humbled himself and took the form of a slave. Great sacrifice 

These values make the family Holy and not the material things 

*5) Is my Family Holy?*

All of us come from family. We play a very important role in our families. If so, how is my family? 

Is my family worth to be called, good and Holy?

What are the qualities of the Holy Family found in my family? 

How do I contribute to the Holiness of my Family? 

Is my presence in the family contributes to the Holiness or worsen the Holiness? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*