The significance of the feast is that we draw some inspiration from the HOLY FAMILY and strive to make our families good Christian families. From today’s gospel passage we can draw 2 inspiration from the HOLY FAMILY.
✠ Their Togetherness
The gospel episode presents the scene of Mary, Joseph and child Jesus in the temple of Jerusalem to fulfill what the law prescribed. All 3 were present. In another gospel passage we read, when Jesus was 12 years old He along with His parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. This shows their life of togetherness. Merely staying together does nothing good for family life but living together is what matters the most. Of what use it is to stay under the same roof but have no good relationship with each other? Living together means as a family all the members love each other and are involved in each others affairs. Or else one can stay together and live a individualistic life.
✠ Their Devoutness
As devout Jews, both Mary and Joseph were faithful in following the Law. They were God-fearing couples who never forgot their religious duty hence they took their child to the temple to present Him to God. Our family must also be a Temple where first place is given for God and time is given for prayer. A family that prays together stays together. A family is well to do not because of the richness it possesses but above all because it has a place for God and time for prayer. Devoutness is the foundation of every family that can withstand any trials and troubles that threaten us in our day-to-day life.
Like our families the HOLY FAMILY too had troubles to face, sufferings to undergo, trails to bear yet by their togetherness and devoutness they made their family a holy family, an example par excellence to imitate.