Daily Gospel Reflection for December 28, 2025: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

We might get warm and fuzzy feelings when we think about the Holy Family. We might imagine them curled up around a fire together or gathered around the table for a meal. We might imagine the Virgin Mary looking down lovingly upon her child as she swaddles Him and sings to Him. I’m sure their life did indeed contain many moments such as these, but our Gospel today depicts a very different image.

The Holy Family, who had already endured the hardship of traveling at the very end of Mary’s pregnancy and giving birth in a stable, had to pack up and leave again. No sooner had the wise men left than an angel appeared to Joseph telling him to flee to Egypt. After Herod’s death, he came to settle in Nazareth. His family was in danger, but Joseph knew that God would protect them if he listened and obeyed. And he did.

I’m not sure any of us could so graciously endure what the Holy Family endured in their first years together. I probably would have been bawling every day or had a coronary from the stress. I would have tried to fix it myself, gone to family and friends for help, or dug myself a hole and jumped in it. Sure, I would have prayed and begged God for help and mercy, but my heart definitely needs a lot of work to be as pure and docile as Joseph’s.

As we continue celebrating this Christmas season, may this feast day be a reminder to us that God is calling our families to be holy too. Let us look to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and strive to imitate their virtues of obedience, faith, and trust. Let us ask God to grant us guidance and strength in our quest for holiness.

Ponder:

How does your family react in the face of difficulty, by going into protective mode or asking for heavenly help?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, I know my family life may not be perfect or easy, but I beg You to help us be holy. May we seek You above all else and cooperate with Your grace through obedience and trust.

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