TODAY IS THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY.
This feast was originally celebrated the on the Sunday after Epiphany, but it was moved in the late ’60s to fall within the church Christmas season. While little is known about the day-to-day activities of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, we can still look to them as an example of how to live as a family in faith. Whether we pray together or attend Mass as a family, the point is that we set ourselves apart by making Christ the center of our lives. We are called to choose Jesus and provide our children with a firm foundation and belief in His presence, no matter the situation or time. This is a day on which we can compare our family life to that of the Holy Family and prayerfully reflect on how we might be able to change some of our habits.
“Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth. Mary, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys. Joseph, foster-father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety. Holy Family of Nazareth, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen.” ~author unknown
Original source can be found here.
