Pope Francis marked the Feast of the Holy Family with a profound message, emphasizing the enduring capacity to marvel at the narrative of love, even amid prevailing challenges. During the final Angelus prayer of the year on December 31, 2023, the Holy Father reflected on the Holy Family's trials and their ability to invite God into their lives, regenerating peace and love.
Addressing the gathered pilgrims, Pope Francis delved into the Gospel of Luke, recounting the presentation of the Baby to the Lord. He highlighted the Holy Family's arrival at the temple with a gift, symbolizing their poverty, and Mary receiving a prophecy of future sorrows.
"The Family of Jesus, despite having God in flesh and blood among them, was poor and immersed in tremendous sorrows," Pope Francis expressed, noting that they departed from the temple loaded with suffering.
Emphasizing a crucial message for families, Pope conveyed that God is not distant from problems but chose to live among us, experiencing the challenges of everyday life. By entering the world as a baby and growing in a family, Jesus demonstrated closeness, living an ordinary life marked by hiddenness and silence.
Pope Francis highlighted the significance of the Holy Family's example, urging families to marvel at God by engaging in simple moments of prayer at home. He encouraged families to recognize the miraculous aspects of life, children, and the wisdom of grandparents, fostering an appreciation for the essential elements of life.
"Marvel at the miracle of life!" Pope exclaimed, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and appreciating one's own story of love, even in the face of adversity.
Concluding his message, Pope Francis invoked the guidance of Mary, Queen of the family, urging everyone to marvel at the good in their lives and to see it reflected in the faces of those closest to them. Pope's words resonated with a call to embrace the Holy Family's example as a testament to God's presence in times of trial.