A Holy Family

Merry Christmas!  No, it's not too late to say it because Christmas lasts through the Baptism of the Lord.  (I have several weeks left.)  Today we celebrate the Holy Family.

I was talking to a priest friend and a seminarian this morning and I was bemoaning the fact that it takes a long time for a man to become a priest (about 7 years).  My priest friend pointed out that family life can be equally hard, but there is very little preparation time for marriage.  As an example, our diocese has a preparation time for marriage which is considered long -  9 months.

I've always thought of priests as holy people, but never thought about God's call to those of us who are married and have children as models of holiness.  Most young people will choose a vocation of marriage and parenthood, yet there is very little preparation for that.  The best "preparation" is by example.  Children look to their parents and dating couples look to other married couples they know.  Are we really holy families?

With all the pressures of family life, it's good to stop and take a look at where our priorities should be.  Although the following reading from Colossians inevitably results in lots of eye rolling and smirks among families while it is read at mass, it is the guide we are asked to follow as holy families:

Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another, 
if one has a grievance against another;  as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, 
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, 
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, 
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph were the first Holy Family.  We can be holy families too if we have the same dynamic as the Holy Family did - Jesus was in the center.  

CC