Feast of the Holy Family

 

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family.  This Feast is celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas.  The Feast of the Holy Family is a rather tender remembrance.  Mary, Joseph, and Jesus did not have an easy life.  In many ways they were refugees trying to make ends meet.  They embraced significant difficulties and had more than their share of life’s struggles. Like them, we too, have family struggles.

Pope Francis wrote, “God has saved us by living among us. He lived in a family, an everyday life. He did not avoid difficulties, but rather chose a family “experienced in suffering,” as if to tell our families: “You are not alone!” 

Our loving, compassionate, God promises to always be present to us.  As we go through life there are times when this is very real and other times when it seems impossible.  God’s presence is not seen it is felt with one’s heart.  We are called to believe with he eyes of faith.  Much like Simeon, we are called to testify to Christ alive among us.  On this last day of 2023 let us take time to look back and reflect on the past years through the eyes of faith.  I am sure God’s presence will be full of many surprises.  May 2024 be filled with many blessings and much happiness, peace, and love for all.