“Being inspired by the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, to make our families a ‘haven of love and care!'”
(Based on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph)
A classic and popular story – source unidentified – is told about a kid narrating a story of how his mother, once, after a long, hard day at work…
… had placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of dad.
Yet all that the dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at the mom and ask how the child’s day was at school!
He even went on to smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
Later, the child heard mom apologizing for burning the biscuit.
But Dad, without any fuss – in fact, with a great sense of calmness – replied: “Honey, I love burnt biscuits!”
Later that night, when the child went to kiss Daddy good night, he asked, if he really liked biscuits burned.
Daddy wrapped the child in his arms and said: “Your Mamma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired.
And besides – a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”
Family life presents so many opportunities for doing good…
… reaching out in love with generous positive works
… protecting one another by avoiding unnecessary negativities
Do we make efforts to make our families “havens of love and care?”
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Family of Nazareth – Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Family Life is indeed, very dear to God’s Heart
The Old Testament and the New Testament provide several instances of salvation occurring in the context of a family.
When Jesus, the Eternal Word became flesh (Cf. Jn 1:14), He was born in a Family.
The Holy Family of Nazareth, as the beautiful model and example to every family to nurture care, teach us important lessons:
- Discern and do God’s Will – this is the vital rule
At every stage of life, Mary and Joseph sought to do the Will of God and fulfilled it with utmost sincerity
- Take the lead and strengthen each other, especially in a crisis
In their tough situations, Mary and Joseph proactively listened to God and took the initiative to steer the family out of danger
- Avoid judging each other; support with mutual understanding
Tense situations became moments of prayer instead of blame
Troubled circumstances gave an opportunity to cling to each other!
- Joyfully fulfil one’s responsibilities, without complaint or blame
Each member of the Holy Family assumed total responsibility and undertook every duty that had been entrusted to them
- Find strength in prayer and in God’s Word
In every crunch situation, they turned to God and made the Word of the Lord their guiding principle of life!
It is said that “where God guides, God provides.”
The life of the Holy Family is a beautiful testimony of the protective and providential care of the Lord.
Our families are also called to become gardens that are nurtured and nourished by the protective showers of God’s Love!
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in its extensive exhortation on families, teaches us: “The Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial communion, and for this reason, it can and should be called a domestic church.
It is a community of faith, hope, and charity.
It is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit…
… in the procreation and education of children, it reflects the Father’s work of creation.
… it partakes of the prayer and sacrifice of Christ.
Daily prayer and the reading of the Word of God strengthen it in charity.
The Christian family has an evangelizing and missionary task. (Cf. CCC, #2204-2205)
All of us, in families, are called to holiness – this is God’s Will!
Holiness is not easy, but it is made possible with God’s Grace!
Holiness in a family is deepened and enhanced through…
… faithful sacramental life with constant reconciliation
… sharing of meals and exchange of thoughts and feelings
… willingness to forego hurt feelings and celebrate differences
… regular prayer life along with reading the Bible and devotions
… openness to listen to one another and support in tough times
Family life presents so many opportunities for doing good…
… reaching out in love with generous positive works
… protecting one another by avoiding unnecessary negativities
Let us joyfully accept the “burnt biscuits of each other’s weaknesses, failures, angry moments and hurtful feelings”
We are on the last day of this year 2023
… and at the threshold of yet another New Year.
As we thank the Lord for the gift of this year…
… with its ups and downs
… with its learnings and experiences
… with its joyful events and sad moments
Thank You, Lord, for the Year 2023 that has gone by.
We seek to be Holier and “belonging to You more” in this New Year 2024!
Let the beautiful example of the Holy Family of Nazareth inspire all of us, to make our families and societies a “haven of love and care!”
Happy Feast of the Holy Family!
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, we love You!
God Bless! Live Jesus!
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DEFINITION OF SIN
At the very hour of darkness, the hour of the prince of this world…
… the sacrifice of Christ secretly becomes the source… from which the forgiveness of our sins will pour forth inexhaustibly. (CCC # 1851)
Reflection Capsules 