Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 28, 2025

Date: Feast of the Holy Family

Scripture Text:  Mt 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 might be 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 child’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 his 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recalls the LORD’s direction for Joseph to protect Mary and Jesus and Joseph’s response in faith.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I allow the LORD to direct me and my actions? Am I open to the LORD’s direction and guidance?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, as we continue to celebrate the gift of your beloved and only-begotten Son to humanity for our salvation, we remember how You guided Joseph for the sake of His family. Send your Spirit to guide us on our journeys in this life and give us the grace to recognize your help, your power and presence, manifestations of your love for us. Give us also the grace to cooperate with your loving guidance. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.