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28 Dec 2025 - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Cycle A

Estimates say that during the 20th century well over 50,000,000 people died because of genocides at the hands of political leaders, rival tribes, and oppressive nation-states. Even to this day people are seeking refuge from genocide as well as poverty, famine, and corrupt governments. Today's gospel reading tells the story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fleeing Herod's execution of all of Bethlehem's young children. Throughout the Bible we see people struggling to live out their faith in the face of political oppression. Though the Bible is filled with lessons on morality and spirituality, readings like today's gospel give us a historical context to relate to these biblical figures and better understand the world in which we live. When crimes like genocides occur and force people into becoming refugees, the Bible provides us with insight on how to approach these political and social injustices, whether it be through action, compassion, or a general consciousness that these events are actually occurring somewhere in the world. At times we tend to overlook the fact that biblical figures were also historical figures. It is helpful to stand back and remember that people today are going through the same issues that people in the Bible went through thousands of years ago.

Authors Brother Nathaniel Pierce, S.J.C.

genocide political injustices social injustices

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