HOMILY: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (A)
Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14 / Colossians 3:12–21 / Matthew 2:13–15, 19–23
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA
Every time we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, many of us come carrying mixed emotions because when we hear the word family, we do not always think of peace and harmony. Sometimes we think of distance, of sacrifice, of unfinished conversations, and of love that is real — but also painful. And in our hearts, some of us may believe that our own families are far from holy.
Today’s Gospel is such a consolation for those of us who are keenly aware of the imperfections in our families. Actually, the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph was not a picture-perfect family either. They did not live in comfort. They did not have financial stability or security. For a time, they lived as refugees in a foreign land — uncertain of what tomorrow would bring. Moreover, despite all these, it was the family where God chose to dwell.
Let me share a simple story. I once spoke with a mother who was going to send her son abroad. She tried to smile, but her eyes told a different story. She said to me, “Father, hindi ko na siya ihahatid sa gate. Baka hindi ko kayanin.” “Masakit,” she said, “pero kailangan… para sa kinabukasan niya.” (“Father, I won’t be taking him to the gate anymore. I might not be able to handle it.” “It hurts,” she said, “but it’s necessary… for his future.”) Thus, on the day of his flight, she prepared his favorite meal, helped pack his clothes, and double-checked that he would have everything he would need. When it was time to say goodbye, she stepped back — not because she loved him less, but because she loved him very deeply. Her love was a quiet, daily sacrifice — giving everything without demand and choosing her son’s needs over her own heartache. This is family!
This is the kind of love we see in the Holy Family. Joseph did not know where the road would lead when he had to bring Mary and the child Jesus to a foreign land, for their safety. We can imagine Mary, doting over Jesus, caring for him and protecting him not knowing the intensity of the suffering and humiliation that he would endure in the future. Yet, they trusted God enough to move forward, to leave what was familiar, and to bear that fearfulness and uncertainty without letting it paralyze them. The Gospel gently reminds us today: holiness is not found in comfort and certitude but rather, it is found in courageously following God’s will in the face of the unknown.
In our First Reading, Sirach calls us to honor our parents — not for their perfection, but for the unseen sacrifices behind their choices. Some memes remind us to refrain from always blaming our parents because often they simply do their best under the circumstances and with the knowledge available to them. St. Paul echoes this in the Second Reading, urging us to “clothe ourselves” in compassion, humility, and forgiveness. (Colossians 3:12) He reminds us that family love is not always an automatic feeling; it is a conscious, daily choice made especially during difficult moments. Perhaps the quiet truth we need today is this: holiness in the family is found in loving through the tension. It means caring for one another through every mood swing and disagreement, while remaining selfless enough to let go—trusting God to reach where our own hands no longer can.
Some families today live with absence. I know of a family where both parents live abroad and all their four children also live in different parts of the world for work. They cannot even be together yearly for Christmas. Some families are dealing with the pain of having lost a member — whether an elderly parent or tragically a young child. Some feel the absence of family members who withdraw due to misunderstandings and broken relationships. And still — God is there. The Holy Family teaches us that even when life feels unsettled, God does not walk away. He walks with families who are tired, uncertain, and simply trying to love as best they can.
Today, as we honor the Holy Family, let us remember that their life together was far from perfect, they were displaced, they lived in fear for their lives. Yet, God chose to make His home with them. If our family feels incomplete, fragile, or still healing, let us not be afraid. We are in good company! This is often where God chooses to stay. After all, holiness is not having a perfect and pristine life where everything is in order. It is trusting God even when life feels unsettled and messy. If God could make a home with a poor family on the run, he can surely make a home in ours.
Brothers and sisters, let us look past the issues, problems and uncertainties we perceive and experience in our own families. Let this not discourage us from giving the best love we can manage for our parents, siblings, and children. Let us remember that our family is not a museum of perfection, but a living sanctuary where God’s grace is constantly manifesting.
Sunday Gospel Reflections 