The Holy Family

   Today we celebrate the Holy Family; Mary, Joseph and Jesus our Lord.  So many times I think we forget that they were a family not unlike other families even though theirs included the Son of God.  Still, He nursed at Mary’s breast, He was comforted by her as any son is comforted by his mother.  Joseph watched over and protected his family, even taking them to Egypt to avoid the hatred and violence Herod intended for the baby Jesus.

   I’m confident they faced the same challenges as any other family.  It may seem odd to think of Jesus as just a little boy like other little boys; perhaps with scraped knees and the bumps and bruises that come while learning to walk; but that is what He was.  He learned carpentry from Joseph just as children learn from their fathers and mothers today.  I suspect there were times that even that blessed family suffered concern over illness or injury.  Joseph is believed to have died early in Jesus’ life leaving Mary as a single mother.

   We need God’s grace to help us emulate the Holy Family in our own families.  Fathers and mothers need to love each other and give themselves to each other in all ways.  They need to care, love and raise their children in a home full of love and God, teaching them of our Lord.  Children need to respect and honor their parents.  They need to follow the example of our Lord, “He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them;” (Luke 2: 51).  We need to take strength and comfort from the love of each other and care for each other in all we do.  

   In all families there will be times of difficulty and stress but if we look to the example of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, we can bring the peace and joy of God to our families.

Lord You were raised in a family such as ours.

Help us look to You, Mary and Joseph as our example.

May we be a loving faith filled family.

May You bless our family with Your great love and mercy.

Amen