The Feast of the Holy Family

We say it often and hear it often: “God loves you.” But have you truly experienced that love in a way that is powerful and transformative? If I asked that question to 100 Catholics, I suspect many would struggle to answer. What would you say if someone asked you, “Do you know that Jesus loves you?”

If I’m honest, I think I’d feel a little defensive and quickly reply, “Yes, of course I do.” After all, Scripture tells us so. But it’s one thing to believe that Jesus loves me because the Bible says so—it’s quite another to feel that love flooding my heart in gift moments of stillness, silence, and solitude.

The Bible has often been described as God’s love letter to humanity. St Paul captures this beautifully in his letter to the Colossians: “You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you.” These words are not abstract or theoretical. God’s love isn’t general or vague—it’s personal, specific, and active. He knows our name. He knows our story. He knows our wounds and our hopes. And He loves us in the midst of all of it.

On this Feast of the Holy Family, we see love lived out in the most concrete way: Joseph’s trust, Mary’s obedience, and Jesus’ presence. Joseph trusted the voice of God even when the path was uncertain.

Mary surrendered her plans to embrace God’s plan. And Jesus—Love Himself—entered into the ordinary rhythms of family life.

This is what Divine love looks like: not distant or detached, but close and committed. The Holy Family reminds us that God’s love is not just a concept to understand but a reality to experience.

Jesus desires to reveal His love—not just through the seven Sacraments, but in deeply personal ways that speak to our hearts.

And this is the heartbeat of our parish vision: that every person would experience the joy of intimacy with Jesus—a joy that transforms hearts and ignites a desire to boldly and joyfully share what we have received with others. When we encounter His love, we cannot keep it to ourselves. Like Mary rushing to Elizabeth, like the shepherds running to Bethlehem, love compels us outward.

So, how do we open ourselves to that love? It begins with trust. Like Joseph, we need to trust that God is speaking and guiding us. It continues with surrender—like Mary, we need to say “yes” even when it costs us something. And it flourishes in presence—like Jesus, we need to be present to God and present to one another in love. This week, I invite you to take time for stillness. Find a quiet moment and pray:

“Lord Jesus, I trust in Your love. Open my eyes to see You, my ears to hear You, and my heart to receive the joy of Your presence.”

Let this prayer become your doorway into a deeper experience of God’s love. Because when you truly encounter that love, everything changes. Fear gives way to peace. Anxiety gives way to hope. And life becomes a response of gratitude to the One who loves us beyond measure.

As we celebrate the Holy Family, let’s also remember that our families—however imperfect—are called to reflect this divine love. In our homes, workplaces, and communities, may we strive to live with trust, obedience, and presence. And may we never forget the simple yet profound truth that can transform our lives: He loves you.

With peace and love, Fr Josh