We are in an age when family life is threatened by conflicts, violence, exploitation, humiliation, disrespect, indifference, hatred, abuse and above all, when members of the family think only about themselves, hurt others and marital vows are grossly disregarded, husband and wife tend to forget that they are one flesh and that their children are flesh of their flesh.

The answer to family questions lies in the family of Nazareth, when mothers could learn from Mary's affection for the Infant Jesus and respect for her spouse Joseph; fathers could learn from Joseph's unwavering support and protection for the Infant Jesus and his wife, even in difficult moments.

Each Christian family should be another family of Nazareth that welcomes Jesus, listens to Him, speaks with Him, protects Him, grows with Him and in this way Jesus will reside in every family, in each member, children, husband, wife, grandparents and relatives.

Abraham is the greatest Old Testament example of faith in God (Heb 11:8-19). To obey, to listen to in faith is to submit freely to the word that has been heard, because its truth is guaranteed by God, who is Truth itself. Abraham is the model of such obedience offered us by Holy Scripture. The Virgin Mary is its most perfect embodiment.

The Holy Family went up to Jerusalem to fulfill two prescriptions of the Law of Moses, the purification of the 'Mother' (Lev 12:2-8) and the 'Presentation' and then redemption of the first-born (Ex 13:2, 12-13). This is the occasion of Jesus' manifestation to Israel: "The presentation of Jesus in the temple shows Him to be the first-born Son who belongs to the Lord" (Lk 2:41-52).

Simeon and Anna, both of them well on in years, stand for the true Israel that awaits the coming of its Saviour and Redeemer (Lk 2:30, 38) and praises God for letting them see their hopes fulfilled (Lk 2:28). Simeon is depicted as a man led by the Holy Spirit (Lk 2:25-27); therefore, what he has to say carries special weight: he acknowledges Jesus as the expected Messiah, the "glory of Israel" but also "light of revelation" for all humanity. However, Christ's mission of salvation will be "a sign that is spoken against" set for the fall of many: "The sword of sorrow predicted for Mary announces Christ's perfect and unique oblation on the cross that will impart the salvation God had prepared in the presence of all people" (Ex 13:2, 12-13).

The Church calls us to meditate upon this Holy Family. In doing so, we realize that, just as celebrating Jesus' birth helps us reverence how human life is created in the Image of God, so our celebration of the Holy Family helps us reverence the human family as an image of the Church.

The family teaches us how "to be with others", which in turn disposes us to carry out Jesus' second great command: to love our neighbours as ourselves. This is why the Church calls the family "the domestic Church".

The habits of the Holy Family must be the habits of our own families. If we truly care for the members of our family, we are willing to both pray for each other's well-being and willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to keep each other safe from the dangers of the world.

Today God presents the Holy Family as a treasure. Jesus, Mary and Joseph were not only holy themselves: they help us to be holy. We all know that our world is troubled and that our country is troubled. But the cure is right here before us: to strengthen the family, to build up the family, and to improve family life through God, which in turn will build up the life of our Church, Community, Country and World.

Have a wonderful celebration of your holy family and believing that 2018 will be an amazing year for you and your family. Amen.

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