We just celebrated Christmas 2024. We meditated the birth of the Messiah, the unwavering faith of Mary and the righteous Joseph. Together they comprise the Holy Family. The Holy family of Nazareth serves as the most perfect example or model of a family, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.

This model reflects the value of love, fidelity and mutual support that are essential for family life.

Mary – The faithful Mother

Mary embodies humility, obedience and unwavering faith. Mary holds a central position in the Holy Family as the earthly mother of God.

In Luke chapter 1, verses 26 to 38, known as the Annunciation “Angel Gabriel greeted her, Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you”. The Bible portrays Mary, the mother of Jesus, with a range of characteristics that reflect her role in God’s plan.

1. Faith and trust – Mary exhibited unwavering faith in God’s plan for her life. Particularly evident during the Annunciation when she accepts the Angel Gabriel’s message that she will conceive the Son of God. Her response, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word”(Lk.1:38). It also reflects her complete trust in God’s plan.
2. Humble – Mary is portrayed as humble. Mary acknowledged her lowly position and the greatness of God. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid”(Lk. 1: 46-48), highlighting her awareness of God’s grace in her life.
3. Obedience – Mary’s obedience to God’s will is a central theme in her character. She not only accepts her role as the mother of God but also remains faithful throughout her life, including at the foot of the cross, where she witnesses her Son’s suffering.   

Joseph – The model of righteousness and protector

St. Joseph, as the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the Holy Family. He is described as a just man who exemplifies kindness, humility and the ordinary virtues necessary for genuine Christian living.

Joseph’s characteristics include:

1. Just man – Joseph is described as a “just man” in the Gospel of Matthew. This designation reflects his righteousness and adherence to the moral and legal standards of his time. His just nature is evident in his decision-making, particularly regarding Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. “Her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly.” (Mt. 1:19). This verse illustrates Joseph’s compassion and desire to protect Mary from public disgrace, demonstrating his moral integrity.
2. Obedient – Joseph’s obedience to God’s will is a defining characteristic. He responds promptly to divine message delivered through dreams, it shows his faith and willingness to act according to God’s plan. “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.” (Mt. 1:24).This passage emphasises Joseph’s immediate compliance with God’s command, reflecting his deep faith and trust in divine guidance.
3. Protector and hardworking – Joseph serves as a protector of Mary and Jesus, taking important decision/actions to ensure their safety. His protective nature is particularly evident when he flees to Egypt to escape King Herod’s decree. “And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt.” (Mt. 2:14). This action underscores Joseph’s role as a guardian, willing to endure hardship for the safety of his family.

Also, Joseph is portrayed as a diligent worker, he is known as a carpenter by profession. “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?” (Mk. 6:3) This indicates that Joseph instilled a strong work ethic in Jesus, contributing to his upbringing.

Jesus – The Centre of the Holy Family

Jesus is the focal point of the Holy Family, being both fully Divine and fully human. His life and teachings reveal the nature of God and the path to salvation. The relationship between Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is characterised by mutual respect and love, with Jesus growing in wisdom and stature under the guidance of his parents.

Jesus’ characteristics include:

1. Obedience – One of the most significant characteristics of Jesus in the Holy Family is His obedience. The Gospel of Luke highlights this aspect when it states. “And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them” (Luke 2:51). This obedience to Mary and Joseph exemplifies the virtue of humility and respect for parental authority, setting an example for all children to honour their parents.
2. Humility – Though divine, Jesus lived a simple and humble life within the Holy Family. “His state was Divine, yet he did not cling to his equality with God, but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave” (Philippians 2: 6-7).
3. Wisdom – Even as a child, Jesus displayed remarkable wisdom, which was nurtured in the family context. “And the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” (Luke 2: 40). Jesus is also portrayed as wise beyond his years. At the age of 12, he was found in the temple, engaging with the teachers and astonishing them with his understanding. The scriptures notes, “And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers” (Luke 2:47).

The Holy Family as a model for all families

In today’s world, families face numerous challenges, including economic hardships, social pressures and the erosion of traditional values. The Holy Family serves as a good example as a guiding light for contemporary families navigating these difficulties.

The Holy Family experienced poverty, danger and persecution, yet their love and fidelity to one another and to God remained steadfast. This resilience offers hope and encouragement to families today, reminding them that it is not the absence of trials that define a happy family, but the love and commitment with which they confront these challenges together.

Unity, prayer and mutual support are essential components of family. As a domestic church, families are called to be places of prayer and formation, where children learn the virtues of faith, love and service.