FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
December 28, 2025
REFLECTION ON TODAY'S READING
Trust in Jesus
“The Magi had just left when an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to kill him’” (Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23).
Today, on the feast of the Holy Family, place before the Lord all families living in countries where war is raging and who are experiencing separation, death, and the loss of hope for a peaceful life.
Ask Him to be their hope. Pray that He grants them peace and renew in their hearts a trust in a future of peace.
Place this day in His hands through the Daily Offering Prayer
Under the directive from the Diocese of Honolulu
St. Joseph Church has set up an egiving program to allow parishioners and guests an easier way to give. It will also allow the donors to: 1. Give from anywhere using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. 2. No need to find a check or stop by the ATM. 3. Use your Checking/Savings Account or your Debit/Credit Card. 4. Schedule gifts to occur automatically. Click on the give now link or on your phone using my parish app. “All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 16:17
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Saint Joseph Church Makawao - Bulletin
The Gospel Reading, Matthew 2:13-15,19-23
In a dream, God tells Joseph to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from King Herod..
Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. As we do so, our Gospel invites us to consider Joseph's protection of Jesus in the face of danger. Just as in the announcement of Jesus' birth, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream. The angel warns him of Herod's plans to harm Jesus. Joseph follows the command of the angel and takes Joseph and Mary to Egypt, returning only after receiving word in another dream that it was safe to do so.
This feast is part of the Christmas season, so we should look at today's Gospel in the context of what Scripture tells us about Jesus' birth. Today's reading is found in the Gospel of Matthew, following the story of the visit of the Magi. Recall that Matthew's story about the birth of Jesus makes Joseph the primary character. Among Matthew's themes in this infancy narrative is Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about the messiah. Indeed, the story of the Holy Family's flight to Egypt recalls the story of Moses in the Book of Exodus.
It should also be noted that today's reading omits the verses that recount Herod's order of the massacre of the infant boys in and around Bethlehem. We mark this event on the Feast of the Holy Innocents on December 28.
These events remind us of the difficult reality of Jesus' birth. While the story of the Magi's visit will be recalled in our liturgy on the Feast of the Epiphany, our Christmas celebration is made more sober by the recollection that not everyone received Christ's birth with joy or obedience. Herod's jealousy and malice contrast with Joseph's obedience to the words of the angel. The Holy Family's escape to Egypt and the massacre that Jesus is saved from remind us of the struggles and sacrifices that are required as preparation for God's salvation .
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(https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection )
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A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
In today’s second reading we listen to one of the most compelling exhortations for Christian living: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col 3:17). “Whatever you do” that means the whole of life is to be related to Christ Jesus. Everything in life, every activity, can become an act of glorifying the Lord. Good stewards commit even their daily routine to Christ: doing everything “in the name of the Lord.” Perhaps it would be a good idea this week to memorize this marvelous verse and repeat it to yourself frequently. Make it part of your morning prayer each day.
—— (https://catholicstewardship.com/)
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
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