FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Colossians 3:12–21
Reflect
At the canonization Mass of Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, Pope Francis said, “The holy spouses Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin practiced Christian service in the family, creating day by day an environment of faith and love which nurtured the vocations of their daughters, among whom was Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus.” What was the plan for holiness in the Martin family? It was loving service, day by day. That was the same plan of love that nurtured the Holy Family. Mary and Joseph gave themselves to each other in love and together served Christ. The same plan can and will foster holiness in our own families. May we learn from Nazareth the essence of family life — the sharing of affection, understated yet captivating charm, and the sanctity and inalienable nature of these bonds.
Pray
Heavenly Father, you have given us the Holy Family of Nazareth as a genuine model of a Christian household. May we, through emulating the love and family life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be led to your home of peace and happiness. Amen.
Live
Play Christmas music throughout the day, privileging hymns and sacred music to help contemplate the mystery of today’s wondrous feast.
