The Holy Family: Poor but Trusting | One-Minute Homily

We hold the Holy Family in such high status that we might forget that they were fairly humble and poor. Austin Kleman, SJ, reflects on the Holy Family and what we can learn from their faith and trust in the Lord. Based on the readings for Sunday, December 31, 2023, which you can read here: https://bit.ly/OMH123123

“A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 

Hi, my name is Austin Kleman, and this is my One-Minute Reflection. 

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, and in the extended version of today’s Gospel, we hear Mary and Joseph offer the accepted sacrifice in accordance with the law of the Lord. But the sacrifice they offer is that of someone who could not afford a lamb, the desired offering. They could only provide the minimum, two birds. 

I often forget that while Jesus could work miracles beyond comprehension, he grew up in poverty. The Holy Family was poor. And while they lacked money, they did have an abundance of trust. A trust that even enabled them to follow God to Egypt. They knew God would give them all they needed. In our lives, are there times we struggle to trust God’s provision for us? Like the Holy Family, how can we turn to God in our need and believe God will care for us?

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