Feast of the Holy Family

12-26-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Arul Doss

Dear Friends,

I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year-2022. I specially thank all those who decorated the Cribs in all our three parishes. I also sincerely thank all those who sent me Christmas Cards.

This first Sunday of Christmas is dedicated to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. There is no doubt that Jesus was born in a stable. He is God and could have been born with all the comforts that the world had to offer, but He chose to enter human history through a simple family.

The gospel of today reminds us that problems and obstacles are inevitable in a family. However, if the members remain united and courageous, they will definitely overcome any obstacle and challenge that comes to them. When Jesus’ parents thought he was lost, together, they looked for him, and found him. As parents, they played their role well. Joseph is a role model for all fathers. St. Joseph didn’t merely listen to the Word of the Lord – he believed entirely and obeyed quickly. He listened to the angel and took the Blessed Virgin as his wife. He led the Holy Family to Egypt when he was, yet again, visited by an angel in a dream. He protected and provided for both Mary and Jesus. Mary also played her role very well by providing the maternal love that their son needed as he grew up. On his part, Jesus was not disobedient or problematic. He understood the difficulties that faced his family.

In a Christian family, if each member plays his /her role well, the family grows. If the husband loves and respects his wife and children, he wins their favor. If the mother respects the father, and nurtures her children, the family will be a better place. If children obey and respect their parents, they are blessed. A Christian family is, a family modeled after the Holy Family of Nazareth. It is a family ordained by God. It is a family that stays and prays together. It is a family where children are educated and brought up with love, sincerity, dignity and authenticity. It is a family where each member is valued and respected. It is a family where difficulties are peacefully and prayerfully resolved through dialogue. The model of every good Christian family is the Holy Family of Nazareth. So, let us pray: Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Pray for us.

Again, I wish you all a Joy-filled New year-2022. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. May our Mother Mary and St. Joseph protect you all through their intercessions in this coming new year.

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