On this Feast of the Holy Family, we have an opportunity to reflect on the lives of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. This reflection might initially lead us to the conclusion that our own families can't compare to theirs. Yet, the Holy Family is simply a mirror of what our families can be, which is loving, holy, and centered on Christ. We might think that our family is too weak, broken, or divided to be like theirs. We might have struggles and both joy and sorrows- so, how can our family be as good as the Holy Family? To begin to answer that question, we must first take stock of the Holy Family in purely human terms.

Mary was a teenager who found herself pregnant out of wedlock, Joseph was a foster father struggling to understand what he was being asked to accomplish, and Jesus was prone to running off to the temple alone without telling his parents. When we consider the most basic elements of this family, they seem a lot like people we know today.

However, we can't be satisfied with just the human aspect of their lives. We know that on the spiritual level, Mary conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, Joseph was told by an angel to marry her and bring Jesus up as his own son, and Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. Through consideration of the deeper and more private meanings of their lives, we, too, can grow in holiness and perfection.

We are guaranteed that God will be a part of our lives and families. We must also trust that, even in our human struggles, God will not be denied. His grace will heal, comfort, and help in times of sorrow, while filling us with joy in our happier moments.

Let us pray to the Holy Family that our families will be trusting and happy. Let us ask for the Holy Family's intercession on our homes, marriages, and children. Let this joyous season be a time of great peace, simply because God wants it.

May each of you be blessed! I will pray for you and your family. In return I ask for you to pray for me and the family we call St. Joseph’s.