Protection of the Holy Family by Joseph & Mary

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season: Sunday : Holy Family Feast*

*Gospel :  Mt 2:13-15, 19-23*

*First Reading : Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14*

*Responsorial Psalm : 128: 1-5*

*Second Reading : Col 3:12-21* 

*Protection of the Holy Family by Joseph & Mary*

*1) How Joseph and Mary Protected the Holy Family*

The Holy Family lived under real threats—poverty, political violence, uncertainty, and displacement. Joseph and Mary protected Jesus not with power, but with faithful obedience to God.

*A) Protection Through Obedience*

Joseph listened to God in dreams and acted immediately (Mt 1–2).

He accepted Mary despite social risk. 

He fled to Egypt to save the Child

He returned when it was safe

Mary said “Yes” to God, knowing it would cost her reputation, comfort, and security (Lk 1:38).

Protection came from obedience to God’s will, not control over circumstances.

*B) Protection Through Presence*

Joseph and Mary protected Jesus by being present:

Present in Bethlehem’s poverty

Present in exile in Egypt

Present in Nazareth’s hidden life

They did not shield Jesus from hardship, but they walked with Him through it.

*2) The Role of Joseph and Mary in the Holy Family*

*A) Role of St Joseph – Guardian and Guide*

Joseph is called the “Guardian of the Redeemer.”

His role included: 

Provider through honest work

Protector from physical danger

Spiritual leader who introduced Jesus to prayer, tradition, and trust in God

Joseph teaches that: “A father protects most by being faithful, silent, and strong in love.”

*B) Role of Mary – Heart and Faith of the Family*

Mary is the spiritual heart of the Holy Family.

Her role included:

Nurturing love

Deep faith that pondered God’s mystery

Teaching Jesus through daily life—prayer, compassion, and trust

Mary shows that: “A mother protects by love that listens, suffers, and hopes.”

*3) The Feast of the Holy Family: Core Message for Family Spirituality*

The Holy Family was not perfect in comfort, but perfect in love and faith.

*A) Family as a Sacred Space*

The home of Nazareth teaches us:

Family is the first church

Prayer begins at home

Faith grows through ordinary life

*Message*: Holiness grows in kitchens, workrooms, sickness, and daily routines.

*B) God Is at the Center, Not Comfort*

The Holy Family faced:

Poverty

Migration

Fear

Loss of security

Yet God remained at the center.

*Message*: A holy family is not one without problems, but one that keeps God at the center of its struggles.

*C) Mutual Trust and Listening*

Joseph listened to God

Mary trusted God

Jesus obeyed them both (Lk 2:51)

*Message*: Family spirituality is built on listening—to God and to one another.

*4) Reflections for Family Spirituality Today*

*A) Protecting What Matters Most*

Joseph and Mary protected: 

Faith

Life

God’s presence among them

*Today’s families are called to protect:*

Faith amid distractions

Relationships amid busyness

Children’s dignity amid pressure and confusion

*B) Ordinary Life Is Holy*

Jesus spent 30 years in Nazareth before public ministry.

God values ordinary family life more than public success.

*C) Love Is Stronger Than Fear*

The Holy Family lived under constant threat—but fear never ruled them.

Where love is strong, fear loses its power.

*5) Final Thought* 

As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, we learn that:

A family becomes holy not by being perfect

But by being faithful

By trusting God together

By protecting love, life, and faith daily

The Holy Family teaches us that God dwells not in perfect homes, but in loving hearts.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*