Daily Catholic Lectio. Sun, 29 December ’24. The Holy Family of Hope

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sun, 29 December ‘24

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Inauguration of the Jubilee 2025 in the Dioceses

1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28. 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24. Luke 2:41-52  

The Holy Family of Hope

Families are created by humans, but the Holy Family is created by God. Today becomes significant at two levels: (a) The feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph of Nazareth. (b) The inauguration of Jubilee 2025 celebrations with the motto “Pilgrims of Hope” across our dioceses (local churches) under the leadership of our bishops. On 9 May 2024, Holy Father Pope Francis, gave the bull of indiction ‘spes non confundit’ (‘hope does not disappoint us’) announcing the Jubilee Year.  Let us reflect on the Holy Family considering the themes that emerge from the bull.

Pope Francis uses three words – seeking, waiting, and offering – to describe hope.  

(a) Hope as Seeking

Hope begins as a search—a longing to find purpose, meaning, and fulfilment. In Luke 2:41-52, Mary and Joseph search anxiously for the child Jesus, only to find Him in His Father’s house, immersed in divine work. This moment reveals that true seeking is directed toward God’s will, not merely human understanding. Pope Francis reminds us in Spes non confundit that “hope is the ability to see beyond, to embrace God’s promises with confidence.” Our seeking is not aimless; it is guided by faith that God’s plans are far greater than our own, leading us to deeper communion with Him.

(b) Hope as Waiting

Waiting is the heart of hope, marked by patience and trust. In 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28, Hannah waits with unwavering faith for God to fulfil her prayer for a child. When her hope is realized, she offers Samuel back to the Lord as a testimony to her trust in God’s providence. Pope Francis in Spes non confundit writes, “Hope does not disappoint because it anchors us in God, who does not fail His promises.” This waiting is not passive; it is active trust, lived out in prayer and steadfast faith, even when the fulfilment of hope seems delayed.

(c) Hope as Offering

True hope culminates in offering—an act of surrender that unites us with God’s plan. In 1 John 3:1-2, we are reminded of our identity as God’s children, a gift that calls for our complete dedication to Him. In Luke’s Gospel, Mary and Joseph, upon finding Jesus, accept His divine mission, offering their lives in alignment with God’s purpose. As Spes non confundit proclaims, “Hope opens us to self-giving love, making us capable of living for others and for God.” Through offering, we bear witness to the transformative power of hope, rooted in trust and love, and leading to eternal fulfilment in God’s presence.

Entering Jubilee 2025

As we approach Jubilee 2025 with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” Pope Francis will open the Holy Doors in Rome, inviting us into a deeper journey of grace. In our own dioceses, the Jubilee Cross will stand as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the Resurrection’s promise. Even the Jubilee’s logo depicts humanity united in Christ, finding strength and unity in the embrace of the Cross.

This journey is not one we make alone. We are called to walk together as one family, the Holy Family of Hope. St. John beautifully reminds us in today’s reading: “See what love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.” United in this love, we are invited to treat one another with dignity, kindness, and compassion, reflecting God’s love in our relationships.

The Feast and Jubilee Inspire Us to…

(a) Rejoice in Fraternal Love

Belonging to God’s family calls us to live in joyful unity and equality. Instead of Cain’s despairing words, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” let us take Joseph’s heartfelt response: “Here I am, your brother.” May we celebrate the bonds that make us one in Christ.

(b) Embrace Shared Responsibility

Like Samuel and Jesus, who stepped beyond their homes to fulfil God’s mission, we too must look outward. Our calling is to extend care and responsibility beyond our immediate circles, embracing all as members of God’s family.

(c) Live in Hope and Bear Fruit in Love

Hope is the bridge between faith and love, anchoring us in God and calling us to bear the fruits of love. Families and communities grounded in God’s love will flourish in unity and peace. Without this divine connection, our relationships risk becoming fragile and self-centred.

Our Mission as Families and Communities of Hope

As we begin celebrating the Jubilee in our dioceses, let us strive not just to be pilgrims of hope but also families and communities of hope. May God’s grace lead us to reflect His love more fully in our lives, and may He guide us faithfully on this sacred journey!

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy