December 28, 2025: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, 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 destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet was fulfilled. Out of Egypt, I called my son.

When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the chlid’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of hi father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

Reflection

Who the heck is Archelaus, and why was Joseph so leery of him? Archelaus, son of Herod the Great and brother to Herod Antipas (who plays a significant role later in Jesus’ life) ruled Samaria, Judea and Idumea from 4 BC to AD6. His rule was chaotic, and he was removed from his position by the Roman emperor after just nine years. Just how bad was he? Jesus may be alluding to him in Luke: 19 when he tells the parable of the nobleman whose citizens “hated him.” The nobleman promptly declares that these citizens should be killed. This mirrors something Archelaus actually did.

Perhaps the message here is one of hope. No matter what kind of person a ruler might be, his rule will not endure forever; nobody on earth has that kind of reach. Only God’s rule lasts. “Heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12) remain the best way forward.

Action

Jesus was a Nazorean. It was an important part of his identity. Where are you from? What assumptions have people made about you because of it? Examine your own assumptions about people from regions of the country different from your own. Try to identify at least one ally or friend living in each section of the country. What might you accomplish if you stand together?