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Come Holy Family! Renew our Families!
by Judith Costello

Family. It is SO important to have a faith-filled family. The model of two parents who give love and discipline and who provide a model for trusting in God is necessary to give young people hope for the future and a sense that life has meaning.

We see too many broken families, or families where the children are left to “find religion” when they get older. And the kids from these homes are like fish flapping around on concrete, struggling to breathe.

Family. It’s not easy to create strong families in this modern world. That’s why we need help from the Holy Family. When our children are disrespectful…when the relationship between a husband and wife is strained…when our country is in the midst of re-defining what “family” is…THEN we need help from a model of perfection.

A Holy Family. Mary and Joseph didn’t have it any easier than the rest of us. Their relationship started off a bit rocky.  Joseph was planning a divorce.  Mary’s life was dedicated to God so that she probably wasn’t eager to get married. Yet, they were called to marriage. They were called to each other and they trusted in God to see them through the rough places.

Birth. It was not easy. The circumstances, surrounding the beginning of the Holy Family, included poverty, cold, homelessness and fear. Yet, again, Mary and Joseph trusted God to help them through this.

The baby. Jesus’ birth was on a star-studded night. There were moments of light and wonder and beauty. That’s so true with all families. We have moments that are so tender and precious.  These little gems are to be tucked away in our hearts just as Mary tucked away all that was said about her son.

Tension.  Mary and Joseph had to flee with their newborn, as Herod began killing babies in his mad search for Jesus the Savior.  Certainly, the insecurity of this time must have been difficult. The secret, throughout their family life, was the way this husband and wife turned everything over to God’s care.

Faith. Mary and Joseph began the faith upbringing of their son early in his life. The sharing of faith, both through the example of parents and the experience of religious formation, is crucial for giving kids a firm foundation.

Reflecting on today.  As I write about the Holy Family my own family is feeling tension. My husband is aging and sick. Patience is required. Our oldest son is gone a lot and wants to relax when he’s home. But we need him to help with chores. These winter days are now cold and blustery. No one wants to go outside to do the farm chores. “Come on Peter, your turn!”

We pray. I don’t know where our family would be without the wonderful intercession and example of the Holy Family! Jesus, Mary and Joseph are guides for living through troubles and fears, cold and impatience.  

Throughout the year, we pray, “Jesus, Mary and Joseph help our family become more patient and virtuous. Guide all our families in this valley and throughout this country.”
 

--Judith Costello. Judith is the mother of two kids. She and her family live on a small farm they call “Sagging Acres” in rural New Mexico. Judith writes for national and regional magazines. She is a catechist, artist and a Secular Carmelite (OCDS).