FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
My Dear Parishioners
Today the Church celebrates the Holy Family. This feast falls in between Christmas and New Years. When we see the Holy Family depicted, they look so holy, so peaceful, and so calm. I’m sure they were at times. When I think of my own family, I think of a busy, on the go, sometimes crazy group of people trying hard to work together and love each other. Not perfect, but trying to live as God has asked them to live. We have been called to model our family life on that of the Holy Family. It is not easy, but they are an inspiration. Our own modern families are like the Holy Family in that, as they did, we too all face challenges in responding to God faithfully and obediently. The holiness of a family is not dependent upon perfection or an easy road. As Mary and Joseph showed us, holiness is dependent upon faithfulness and obedience to God’s message. Hearing God’s message and responding to God’s will made the Holy Family holy; it makes our family holy too.
Joseph, in this Gospel, clearly acts as the father of the family. To him is given the revelation that danger is at hand and they must flee to Egypt. To him is given the future revelation that it is safe to return to their homeland. Whether it is going or coming Joseph is attentive to both the needs of his family and the overtures of God’s Presence and guidance. He is head of the Holy Family: one in which the members discern God’s will, risk change for each other’s growth and good, and are united in fidelity to God and each other. This feast calls us to be the same kind of holy family.
On this feast of the Holy Family, let us grow in grace and love, united with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Today’s families deal with many negative forces that challenge healthy relationships and growth in holiness such as financial struggles, divorce, and addictions. At the same time, grace abounds, God wills our well-being and persons come into our lives who can help us make good choices. We need only to be open to change and growth.
Let me end with this thought: In what ways is my own life, or the life of my family uncertain or insecure? Do I let God’s grace in to help me with these problems?
Peace,
Fr. Monteleone
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