The Feast of the Holy Family, Year A
Readings: Ecclesiasticus 3:2–6, 12–14; Psalm 127(128):1–5; Colossians 3:12–21; Matthew 2:13–15, 19–23
28 December 2025
“He loves you.” – Colossians 3:12
We say it and hear it often: “God loves you.” But have you truly experienced that love in powerful, transformative ways? I think that if I asked that question to 100 Catholics, many of them would struggle to answer. What would you say to someone if they asked whether you know that Jesus loves you? I think if I was asked that question, I’d feel a little defensive and answer, “Yes, of course I do!” It’s one thing to believe that Jesus loves me because Scripture says so, it’s quite another to feel that love flooding my heart in moments of stillness, silence and solitude.
The Bible has often been described as God’s love letter to humanity, and this is surely St Paul’s intention in his letter to the Colossians when he says, “You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you.” But this love—God’s love—is not abstract. God’s love isn’t general or vague, it’s personal, specific, and active.
In the Holy Family, we see love lived: Joseph’s trust, Mary’s obedience, Jesus’ presence. Joseph’s trust in the sound of God’s voice rendered him docile to keep the Holy Family safe. We, too, should be confident that Jesus desires to reveal, not just his sacramental Presence, but his personal love for us in the exact way we need.
Lord Jesus, I trust in your love. Open my eyes to see you, my ears to hear you, and my heart to receive the joy of your presence. Amen.
Fr Joshua Whitehead
Artwork Spotlight
The Seven Sorrows of the Virgin: The Flight into Egypt by Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528)
The Seven Sorrows of the Virgin: The Flight into Egypt (c. 1496). Oil on pine panel, 63cm x 45.5cm. Gemäldegalerie, Dresden, Germany. Public Domain.
None of us chooses our family. Perhaps we’ve daydreamed about whether belonging to another family would have made us different people to what we are now. But we are what we are. St John Paul II once said that if we believe in God, there is no such thing as chance.
The experience of being part of a family is one shared by every individual, evoking some of the deepest moments of bonding. We extend the image to describe other groupings such as the family of nations, the family of the Church.
Yet, it is also sadly true that within the family there can be some of the greatest moments of suffering, pain and rejection. The daily media highlights the extent of physical, psychological, and sexual violence that can, and does, occur within the family. Many families did not experience peace and goodwill this Christmas.
The fear that stalked Jesus’ family in today’s Gospel stalks too many families still. It’s not Herod’s soldiers who create that fear now, but other modern evils—violence, abuse, war and the anxiety that always accompanies a limited budget.
Does God really care? Let’s turn to the Gospel for an answer. The Child of the promise, the promise of redemption, is born into a situation of suffering. It’s a good word: redeem. It means “to buy back”.
In other words, there was a price to be paid. St Augustine would later write that the price of the world’s redemption flowed out when the soldier opened the purse of Christ’s side on the Cross. The Son of God became vulnerable as a baby, as a child, as an adolescent. It was the love and courage of Mary and Joseph that protected him from the darkness that threatened to engulf him.
God’s love for, and answer to, a suffering world was to enter that world. His answer continues to be shown as he inspires us through the promptings of his Holy Spirit to show compassion, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness in our families, as recommended by St Paul in today’s second reading (Col 3:12–21). Such virtues are not private—they can, and do, influence the wider community. St Joseph is once again presented to us as a model, as he was last Sunday. He is continually attentive to the divine initiative, and responds instantly when required.
Not once, but three times in today’s Gospel we see how Joseph responds wholeheartedly to these eruptions into his consciousness. He is playing his part in fulfilling the Scriptures in a most mysterious manner. When faced with the unpredictable, the inexplicable, or the unbearable, what better model can we take for trust in divine providence, in spite of appearances, than St Joseph?
A New Year’s resolution for families could well be to spend some time each week, if not each day, in prayer together. Those who say they could not do such a thing might well examine how healthy their relationships with each other really are. It is much easier for the virtues to flourish within an atmosphere of prayer. God is able to speak easily to such a family.
Mary and Joseph were not the only people who were part of God’s plan. You and I are, too. By our openness to God, and our readiness to carry out his designs as soon as we are aware of them, may the Scriptures be fulfilled in our lives, too!
Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) is well-known for his woodcuts, especially in old Bibles, the printing press having made its debut. We are looking here at his Flight into Egypt—part of an altar panel depicting the “Lady of Sorrows” surrounded by seven scenes we have come to know as the Seven Sorrows. It was commissioned by Frederick III, Elector of Saxony, not long after his meeting with Dürer at Nuremberg in April 1496.
While depicting a scene of distress, Dürer has succeeded in giving the work a feeling of tranquillity. The rocky landscape can be interpreted as a sure place of refuge. Many times in the psalms God is depicted as “the Rock who saves us”(Ps 95), “the rock where I take refuge” (Ps 18).
Mary is seated on a donkey, holding the Infant wrapped gently in her garment. Her downcast eyes suggest a quiet sadness. Joseph is depicted with rugged dignity, leading the donkey. In art, he is frequently pictured with his travelling staff, always ready to change direction at God’s command. He looks alert and watchful, fulfilling his role as protector. The Christ child rests calmly in Mary’s arms, an image of peace amidst danger. The next time we will hear of a donkey is Palm Sunday. For Mary, one sorrow leads to another.
Dürer was not yet at the height of his ability when this was painted, but already he depicts a masterful reflection on divine protection, quiet faith, and maternal sorrows. It was common in those days for Christians to meditate on Christ’s life through the eyes of Mary. We still do in the prayers of the rosary.
Mons Graham Schmitzer
Fr Joshua Whitehead leads Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Parish in Sunshine Coast, QLD. Originally from New Zealand, he moved to Australia 19 years ago. With a background in the New Zealand Army, iron ore mining, and personal training, Fr Josh is passionate about fostering a culture of encounter in parishes. He also makes regular appearances on Network Ten and Foxtel’s Mass for You at Home.
Monsignor Graham Schmitzer is a retired parish priest. He was ordained in 1969 and served in many parishes in the Diocese of Wollongong. He was chancellor and secretary to Bishop William Murray for 13 years. Prior to ordination, he worked for the Department of Attorney General and Justice before entering St Columba’s College in 1962. He enjoys travelling and visiting major European art galleries.
With thanks to the Diocese of Wollongong, who have supplied this reflection from their publication, The Promise: Advent and Christmas Daily Reflections 2025. Reproduced with permission.
