On this Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, there are two important themes in Luke’s Gospel reading. First, we are shown that Mary and Joseph were faithful to Jewish Law by presenting Jesus in the Temple for consecration to the Lord; and second, that Simeon and Anna, representing devout Jews, accepted Jesus as the Christ who fulfills God’s promises to bring salvation to God’s people. Simeon gives thanks to God for being able to witness this gift and declares that he is now ready to die in peace. This moment is a bittersweet combination of rejoicing and sorrow in the lives of the Holy Family. Simeon foretells the turbulent journey of Jesus’ ministry and the sorrow that Mary will experience, saying “you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Jesus will be met with great love from his disciples but also hatred from the Jewish leaders. Mary will witness all these events. Some will accept her Son, but many will reject Him. The Gospel ends with the Holy Family’s return to Nazareth where we are told Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom and in the favor of God. Two thousand years later the Holy Family still provides a model for us. Their lives were rooted in faith. Even knowing that a rocky road lay ahead, they kept their faith and focus on God. We know from numerous Gospel references that Mary was often unsure of where she and her Son were being lead. Yet she accepted the uncertainty and continued to believe she would see the fulfillment of the angel’s promise. In short, Mary gave over control to God, never allowing sorrow to have the final say. Even at the foot of the cross as her Son died in agony she didn’t give up on God. She was blessed to see the Resurrection of her Son that brought the Good News to all of us. As we journey in our own lives, may we, like Mary, always place our trust in God’s mercy and love no matter how sorrowful our circumstances may be. With the Holy Family as a model, may we too keep our homes focused on God, treating one another with constant everyday acts of love. Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!