Dear John,

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family.

There is no doubt that Jesus was born in humble circumstances — not in a mansion, but in a stable. He is God and could have been born with all the comforts that the world had to offer, but He chose to enter human history through a poor family. Even though they didn’t have many material goods, their lives were spiritually rich. This is why popes and saints have told families to follow the Holy Family’s example.

But how can we imitate the Holy Family?

First, we can follow the example of the Child Jesus who was obedient to His parents. The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity obeyed His parents and loved them dearly. In the same way, we should embrace obedience.

From Mary, we can learn the importance of pondering. With every Word from Scripture, every gift that the Lord gives, every Mass that we attend, we should have a spirit of pondering. If we love God, we should want to understand our Beloved even more.

And as we have just concluded the Year of St. Joseph, let’s look toward his example. He didn’t merely listen to the Word of the Lord — he believed entirely and obeyed quickly. He listened to the angel and took the Blessed Virgin as his wife. He led the Holy Family to Egypt when he was, yet again, visited by an angel in a dream. In every instance that we see in Sacred Scripture, St. Joseph believed and acted.

Here are today’s Mass readings:

First reading: Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 or 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28

Psalm: 128:1-5 or 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10

Second reading: Colossians 3:12-21 or 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24

Gospel: St. Luke 2:22-40 or St. Luke 2:41-52

Here are a few faith-filled programs airing on EWTN over the next few days:

CHRISTMAS MATINS FROM BAVARIA

December 26, 10:30 AM

This acapella concert, featuring the singing Seminarians of Wigratzbad, captures the wonder and warmth of the Nativity of Christ. (30 mins.)

MOTHER ANGELICA LIVE CLASSICS: A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

December 27, 10:30 AM

Mother Angelica reflects on the Divino Niño, emphasizing how important children are in Scripture. (60 mins.)

VESPERS OF THANKSGIVING

December 31, 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM.

The Holy Father presides over the First Vespers of Thanksgiving at St. Peter’s Basilica. (60 mins.)

All times Eastern. Check ewtn.com/tv/schedule for up-to-date listings.

As we celebrate the Holy Family today, let’s ask that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph inspire our families to grow in greater unity and love for one another.

In Christ,

Father Joseph

P.S. If you are inspired by this message, please forward it on to your loved ones.