The Christmas liturgical season is like the Church opening a family album of the Lord’s early years. This Sunday, the Church invites us to look closer at this family album, focusing on the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It is a profound mystery that when the Lord became human, He embraced every aspect of our existence, including the gift of family. By growing up in a home with parents, grandparents, and relatives, the Lord sanctified the very experiences we share in our own households. This reality fills us with hope; the example of the Holy Family serves as a beautiful guide, encouraging us to nurture and improve our own family lives.

The photographs in the family album of the Holy Family reveal a striking simplicity. Their life was a beautiful paradox: both ordinary and extraordinary. While the Child Jesus grew up just like any other child of His time—sharing in the simple, everyday routines of a human home—this household was also defined by extraordinary virtue. Within their walls, love, forgiveness, tenderness, and mutual support were lived at the highest possible level.

In his teachings on family life, Pope Francis highlighted three essential phrases for cultivating peace and joy: "May I?", "Thank you", and "Sorry." "May I?": This expression reminds us to treat those in own home with the same courtesy and respect we would show to others. When advising young people in confession, I remind them that just as we show respect as guests in another's home, we must avoid being overbearing or entitled within our own families. "Thank you": Ingratitude is a common human struggle, as seen when only one of the ten lepers returned to thank the Lord for his healing. We often take our family members for granted, but expressing gratitude acknowledges the love and effort they provide. "Sorry": Forgiveness is the foundation of peace. Following the Lord’s teaching to forgive without limit, the word "sorry" heals wounds and makes a harmonious life together possible.

Today’s reading from the Book of Sirach offers a beautiful expansion on the Fourth Commandment. While God’s Law calls us to love everyone, it places a specific and sacred obligation on us to care for our parents. This message is universal: since everyone is a child of someone, we are all called to honor, love, and do good for those who raised us. According to the teachings found in the Sacred Scriptures, every child is called to honor their parents for three fundamental reasons: they are the source of our life, they provide us with lasting care and nourishment, and they guide us toward moral maturity and independence. A child can never repay their parents for all of this. Therefore, the only truly appropriate response of a child is to show them gratitude, honor, and love.

Our Lord was also a son in a human family. Although the Lord did not become man through the intervention of Joseph, he did so through Mary. However, the Lord received nourishment and lasting care from both. A week ago, I spoke about the very important role of Joseph as guardian and protector of Mary and the Child. St. Matthew today continues to tell us about the great challenges that Joseph faced to protect his holy wife and his divine adopted Son. Through his constant obedience to God’s plan, Joseph modeled exemplary moral maturity for the Child Jesus. By teaching the Child the virtue of obedience within their home, Joseph provided a vital "school" where the Lord prepared for His ultimate mission: perfect obedience to His Heavenly Father.

St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary understood a truth that remains today: before a child ever opens a book, they have already begun reading the character of their mother and father. Through the example of their own virtuous lives, parents teach their children how to walk the path of righteousness, helping them to grow and attain the moral maturity essential for life. On this Feast of the Holy Family, as we reflect on the beautiful images of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we humbly ask for their guidance. May they teach us how to flourish as parents and children, following God’s divine plan for the family.