The Holy Family was the Ark of the Covenant

The Holy Family was a missionary community. In fact, the mission of Christ became the missionary vocation of Mary and Joseph who put their freedom at the Son’s disposal.

These two saints, united in the respect and in the love of a pure and fecund community, began the journey of their life with Christ and for Christ. For Him and with Him they went from Nazareth (whose name means Garden) to Bethlehem (whose name means City of Bread), from Bethlehem to Egypt, and from Egypt to Nazareth. They carried Christ along the roads of the world and they were the first partners of Salvation.

The Holy Family was the Ark of the Covenant, carried in the exodus of life. It was and it is a school of the gospel. Here we learn to observe, to listen, to meditate, and to penetrate the profound and mysterious meaning of that simple, humble, and lovely manifestation of the Son of God. (Paul VI Reflections at Nazareth January 5, 1964)

Msgr. Francesco Follo Permanent Observer of the Holy See to UNESCO

Considerations over three feasts – The Holy Family; Holy Mary, Mother of God; and the Epiphany. December 27, 2018 - Zenit