What is your experience of family? Perhaps your family isn’t perfect? That’s ok as the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph didn’t have an easy time from the accounts of scripture.
Within this octave of Christmas, we contemplate the example of the Holy Family and how they were continually being led back to God’s divine providence. Perhaps you lost a close member of your family during this special time in which you are experiencing loss, grief and sorrow. Rejoice, for the heavenly choirs of angels sing in glory with your loved one destined for their heavenly home despite your feelings of abandonment. We are never truly abandoned and through prayer, you still communicate with those you lost.
Regarding the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph – Mary and Joseph were not able to find lodging for God’s son to be born. Jesus was born in a lowly manger, in a barn. The Holy Family had to flee to Egypt due to a dream Saint Joseph had from an angel about fleeing to Egypt and King Herod’s slaughter of the holy innocent newborn children & intent to murder Jesus, our King. Mary misplaced Jesus when Jesus wandered off into the temple to teach the elders from the biblical account as the parents of Jesus were worried.
The Holy Family didn’t have a perfect life, yet God’s presence was with them in their hardship for they were faithful Jews abiding by the traditions of their ancestors. God continually works with all families on our earthly journey for the family unit, albeit a genetic family, church family, work family or extended family from marriage is God’s way of enkindling in us a special relationship of love that is a reflection of the holy family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph.
We are all adopted sons and daughters of God per Saint Paul.
May our families be strengthened this day as we contemplate the example of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Prayer:
O God, who were pleased to give us
the shining example of the Holy Family,
graciously grant that we may imitate them
in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity,
and so, in the joy of your house,
delight one day in eternal rewards.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
StreetEvangelist 