Let us carry with us the Spirit of the Holy Family!
Today we commemorate the Feast of the Holy Family and reflect on the
virtues exemplified by the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. In the second
reading, St. Paul urges the Colossian community and us to “Put on, as God’s
chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.”
These virtues are not only the foundation of creating a holy family but also the
bedrock of nurturing a holy and harmonious community.
As we stand on the threshold of a New Year, we are reminded of the
significance of this moment in the Church’s liturgical calendar. On the first day of
the New Year, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
the Mother of God, dedicating this day and the entire year to seeking her
intercession and protection. This Solemnity is a poignant reminder of the
fundamental role that Mary, as the Mother of God, plays in our lives and the life
of the Church.
Reflecting on the year that has passed, we acknowledge that 2023 is still
fresh in our memories, and rightfully so. We carry with us the experiences of birth
and death, health and sickness, happiness and sadness. We have encountered
moments of joy and hope, as well as instances of anguish and disappointment.
Through it all, in times of abundance and in times of scarcity, we must recognize
the hand of God’s blessings upon us.
In the Gospel, we witness Mary’s contemplation of the remarkable events
surrounding her son Jesus, treasuring them in her heart. Jesus is the greatest
blessing from God, not only to Mary but to all of humanity. We come before the
Lord on the first day of the New Year to offer thanksgiving for the blessings of the
past year and to invoke God’s blessings as we begin the New Year.
In imitating the Holy Family, we are called to foster homes and communities
where heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are not
just ideals but lived realities. By practicing forgiveness and bearing with one
another, we can create an environment where God’s love and grace abound,
fostering a sense of unity and peace that transcends individual families and
communities.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor
As we embark on this New Year, let us carry with us the spirit of the Holy
Family, seeking to emulate their virtues and striving to create environments
where love, compassion, and forgiveness flourish. May the Feast of the Holy
Family and the dawn of the New Year inspire us to deepen our commitment to
living lives of faith, hope, and love.
Wishing you all a blessed Feast of the Holy Family and a joyous New Year.