By nature, human beings are social beings.
As social beings, we develop relationships with one another.
The closest and deepest relationships are to be found in the family, because blood is thicker than water.
But as we know, no family is perfect, and as much as we desire for happiness and harmony in our families, we also must be prepared for the family relationships to face trials and troubles.
As much as there are quarrels and squabbles among family members, it must be balanced off with understanding and forgiveness.
We must not let resentment lead us into sin, and if blood is thicker than water, then let it not be bad blood between family members.
The 2nd reading reminds us that we are God’s chosen race, and so we did not choose who are to be our family members. It is God who chose us to be in a particular family.
Mary and Joseph accepted the call to be the family and parents of Jesus.
In the gospel, we heard that they faced trials and troubles but they remained together and kept faith in God and in each other.
May Mary and Joseph pray for us and our families that we will have compassion, kindness and forgiveness for our family members so that Jesus will make His home with us and that in our families, the Good News will be proclaimed.