Dear friends in Christ,
This Sunday, we commemorate the solemnity of the Holy Family, a sacred trio that includes Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, our Savior. I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful and blessed Christmas, surrounded by your loved ones. Family is indeed a precious gift from God, and it is vital that we infuse our family life with warmth, love, and affection.
In my own family, we strive to express our love through words and gestures, embracing each other with hugs and kindness. Holidays like Christmas serve as beautiful reminders of the importance of being close to one another. As we navigate the challenges of life—be it illness or adversity—it’s often our family that becomes our rock, our sanctuary. Proverbs 17:17 beautifully states, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” This speaks to the deep, supportive bond that family can provide.
Today, I encourage each of you to take a moment to thank God for the gift of family. I recognize that not everyone is blessed with a loving family or might feel disconnected from their relatives. To those who find themselves in this situation, we pray that you may discover a spiritual family within our Incarnation Catholic Church community or find solace and support in your friendships. Remember Psalm 68:6, which says, “God sets the lonely in families.”
On this feast of the Holy Family, let us lift our prayers for closeness and unity among all families. For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one this past year, we pray for the strength to cope with grief, reflecting on Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” May we also pray for good health of mind and body for all family members, as we know in 3 John 1:2 that “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
The Holy Family serves as our beacon of hope and faith. It is essential to place Jesus at the center of our family lives and all our relationships, including our friendships. Colossians 3:14 reminds us, “Above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
As we gather this Sunday for Mass, let us come together as one unified family of God. Here at Incarnation, we strive to embody warmth, affection, and care for one another. Let us remain true to our mission and vision as a parish—a welcoming, joyful, and faith-filled community.
In closing, I wish you all abundant blessings. May your hearts be filled with love, and may the spirit of Christmas continue to shine brightly in your lives. The Family is the domestic church,” as Pope John Paul II said, reminding us of the sacredness of our family bonds.
God bless you all. Again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California