We really don’t know much about the life of the Holy Family. Scripture jumps from the birth and infancy narratives of Jesus to one incident in his adolescence and then to his adult ministry. What we do know is that they suffered hardship. We know they had to flee their country in fear for their lives, becoming refugees in Egypt. We know they lived under a cruel and oppressive military and political occupation. We know that Joseph “was a righteous man” (Matt. 1:18) and Mary had “found favor with God” (Luke 1:30). We know that they were devout because they “fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord” (Luke 2:39). We know that Mary and Joseph did not always understand Jesus and that he caused them some anxiety (Luke 3:41-52). And we know that despite all the hardship Jesus “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40).
When I reflect on the Holy Family as a model for all Christian families I am astounded by their closeness to and faith in God who was the center of their lives. God directed the lives of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. They listened to God. They were obedient to his word and they observed God’s commandments and laws. God centered families can withstand all the challenges, hardships and sorrow thrown in their path. On this Feast of the Holy Family, we should thank God for our families and pray that all families have God at their center. With God in charge all families can be Holy Families.
Mother Teresa's Prayer for Families
(From the National Association of Catholic Families)
Heavenly Father, you have given us a model of life in the Holy Family of Nazareth. Help us, O loving Father, to make our family another Nazareth where love, peace, and joy reign.
May it be deeply contemplative, intensely Eucharistic, and vibrant with joy. Help us to stay together in joy and sorrow through family prayer.
Teach us to see Jesus in the members of our family, especially in their distressing disguises.
May the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus make our hearts meek and humble like his, and help us to carry out our family duties in a holy way.
May we love one another as God loves each one of us, more and more each day, and forgive each other's faults as you forgive our sins.
Help us, O loving Father, to take whatever you give and to give whatever you take with a big smile.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us. St Joseph, pray for us. Holy Guardian Angels, be always with us, guide and protect us.
Amen
