We don’t know too much about the Holy Family, but we see glimpses from what is written in the Gospels. In today’s Gospel, we see the Holy Family having to flee Bethlehem and go to Egypt, where it’s safe, for Herod wanted to kill Jesus. The Holy Family faced many struggles during their lifetime, from the time he was born (as in today’s story) until the time Jesus died. In their difficulties and struggles, they learned to rely on God. Their faith in God and in one another helped them to build a strong family.
From this story, we can see that family love is important. Joseph loved Mary enough to marry her, loved Jesus as his son, and provided and protected his family at great cost. The family that had God as their center was able to create a strong family unit that could weather any storm.
We can learn many things from these short little stories in the bible about the meaning of family. When families recognize the need to work together, see the needs of others, and talk to each other, these things help build a strong family that can weather any storm and forgive the faults of the other.
Can we see this love and concern in our own families? If not, why not?
Maybe there are divisions of some kind, hurts, or misunderstandings. Didn’t the Holy Family experience some of this? Yet they found their way through it.
How can we find our way through the difficulties in our own families? Start small to build new bridges and understanding, and think about what the other person might be feeling. All it might take is one step of faith to mend a rift and build a strong family.
If you have a strong family, be thankful for the gift you have been given, and may the Infant Jesus bring all of you a peaceful and happy new year.
