Father Rick’s Three-Minute Homily for The Feast of the Holy Family

December 29, 2024,

Colossians 3:12-21, Luke 2:41-52

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122924.cfm

Mary Kept All These Things In Her Heart.

I am so happy to celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus with you, our parish family, on this Feast of the Holy Family. When I read the Gospel for the first time a few days ago, I was reminded of the movie that came out a couple of years ago about a father who lost his child to terrorists, and a soldier went down to South America and recovered his daughter. The soldier experienced great danger to his life but graciously accepted the challenge.

Mary and Joseph went through this panic themselves for three days when they found out Jesus was missing after he was presented in the temple. He was missing for six days. It is easy to relate to the Holy Family, who experienced so many challenges before Jesus was born after he was born, and now, when he was 12 years old.

The common thread between the Holy Family and us is that, like them, we are children of God. We have the same Heavenly Father who is attentive to all our needs. So, what makes us different from them if there are so many similarities in living in this world of pain and anxiety? Mary did something that we all need to do. The Gospel says, “his mother kept all these things in her heart.”

So, did those things sit there in her heart year after year? Not likely. Jesus and His mother shared their experiences and prayed about them, probably daily. That is how Jesus grew in wisdom and knowledge.

Do our families need to do the same, looking at all the challenges and dangers our children face?

Do you know what I will do, even though I am 71? I will start sitting with Mother Mary and Jesus and ponder the people and things that happen to me every day. I will let you in on a secret if you don’t know it already.

Many saints did not experience God’s work in their lives, but the people they lived and worked with did. This kept them humble enough for God to continue to help people through them.

Reflecting on God’s Word and our dealings every day will help us work through misunderstandings, hurts, and fears that God is waiting to help us with if only we come to Him in prayer.

Gospel Challenge:
Mary kept all these things in her heart. Let’s do the same.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com