Commentary on the Gospel for Sunday, December 29, 2024

Dear brothers and sisters, peace and blessings.

Today’s liturgy reminds us that we are family. This celebration invites us to embrace a family mindset. It’s Family Day. We are all called to renew our commitment to our own families while also recognizing that we are part of the family of the Church, the Christian community. We are family: parents, children, siblings. God’s Word calls us to live this reality every day, not just at Christmas.

In the first reading, we find the foundation of family relationships in honoring our parents. We know it as a commandment: “Honor your father and mother.” For the Israelites, this was a way to integrate human experiences—like family life—into their relationship with God. This message is timely today, as families often face challenges and many of us struggle to find time to care for our elders.

St. Paul extends this concept of family to the Christian community. The Church is also a family, grounded in our relationship with God the Father, who has made us brothers and sisters through His Son, Jesus. For us, the word “brother” holds a deep, special meaning—it makes us family. Our focus as a family is Jesus. He is our model and guide. That’s why St. Paul gives advice to all family members—parents and children—based on respect, obedience, freedom, and most importantly, love.

This also applies to our parish community. In the community, we must bear with one another, forgive one another, and let love unite us. God’s Word should guide us through life’s challenges. A vibrant community is full of joy, song, gratitude, and celebration—and we, its members, are the ones who create this atmosphere. Each of us enriches the community, and in turn, we are enriched by what others bring.

On Christmas night and day, our focus was entirely on the Child Jesus. But even then, we were reminded of other key figures in the Nativity—Mary and Joseph, His parents. Today, we are invited to expand our perspective to include these figures and see the Holy Family as a whole. Both Mary and Joseph had unique roles in raising Jesus, helping Him grow and nurturing this small seed of humanity that is the Christ Child.

So, what can help us ensure that family life remains healthy and strong? Here are three key messages:

Respect, especially for the elderly. Even when their abilities are diminished or they have quirks or flaws, we must continue to honor them. Let’s learn to see Christ in them, even when He is hidden behind their limitations. Let’s treat them with reverence and compassion.
Cultivate positive feelings and actions. Family life should be a school of affection. Let’s build rich, emotional connections with one another—greet each other warmly, smile, offer hospitality, show concern, and respect each other’s need for space. Simple gestures like forgiveness, service, and small acts of kindness make a big difference. Those who practice love in the small things will be ready for life’s bigger challenges. When we reflect on how God has welcomed, forgiven, and brought us peace, we can extend the same to others.
Seek God’s will in all things. Joseph sets a powerful example by listening to God’s guidance and protecting Mary and Jesus. When we seek God’s will, we live for more than ourselves, think beyond our own needs, and care for others as He cares for us.

Your brother in faith,