Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

“Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.”

Could Mary and Joseph have imagined what was in store for them once they learned that they would be the parents of the promised Messiah? For Mary, having to face her family and neighbors upon returning from her visit to Elizabeth, showing her pregnancy having not been married yet to Joseph. For Joseph, in today’s Gospel, having to immediately flee to Egypt shortly after Jesus’ birth, and then return to Nazareth.

This was the way that the Son of God would come into the world, to save His people? Perhaps they wondered, “How is this going to work?” Yet, if any wondering did exist, it was only expressed in awe of the mystery that lay before them. There was no hesitancy in Joseph’s actions, following the words of dreams that he experienced. In the midst of a deep mystery, he simply listened, trusted, and responded. Not knowing how such following would turn out, much less what would happen next.

How might we be invited to enter into the mystery of our own lives, in the midst of uncertainty, fears, worries, concerns? How might we be invited to grow deeper in faith, trust, and surrender even when we are unsure of the way?

May the profoundly simple faith of the Holy Family inspire each of us to do the same in our own lives, wherever we may be and wherever God may be leading each of us – each in our unique ways to more fully experience God’s dream for each of us.

reflected by Quyen Nhi Ngo

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