Sign and Source of Love
What kind of meaning does the Holy Family have for contemporary families: for mothers, fathers and children? To this family belonged the Child Jesus—a Child loved by Mary and Joseph. He, along with Mary and Joseph, created a union that was held together by respect and love. Difficulties and sufferings awaited this Child and His parents, who had anticipated His coming. Yet, nothing could disturb them, because the Child Jesus knew that He was loved. He knew that He was the object of particular care. And His parents trusted and placed their hope in God. Mary and Joseph were ready to follow the Child Jesus along the way marked out by God. They were ready to accompany Him for His entire life. And this Child developed and grew in wisdom.
We can imagine that the life of the Holy Family is one of poverty and simplicity. Yet, it was full of love. Like any other child, Jesus had to learn to walk, to talk, to work, to pray and to love his parents. And like any other parents, Mary and Joseph had to learn how to be parents. We can imagine that Mary and Joseph surrounded Jesus with their care and love as they taught Him a sense of humor, how to relate to other people, how to cope with difficulties, and how to work.
Like the Holy Family, Our families also must be signs and sources of Love, where we are nurtured, cared for, and formed to face the difficulties and sufferings of life with hope.
Our families must be places of support and love—where each of us feels welcomed and grows in faith. The Holy Family is for us a sign of Love. For the rest of the world, the Holy Family might be a sign of contradiction. But for us, it is a sign of Love and a reminder of the Trinity. Therefore, let us try to follow the example of the Holy Family. Let us invite Mary, Joseph and Jesus into our homes so that we might learn from them how to live in a family of faith, of hope, and of love, especially in times of suffering and difficulties.
Yours in Christ,
Father Arthur
Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family: Lectionary 17
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