The Feast of the Holy Family
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Today is the Feast of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Think of this, Jesus lived for thirty years with his family and only three years with everyone else. Seems disproportionate. But he wanted show us that family and spiritual friendship are not optional. We can’t make it alone. We all need a family or a small group of friends committed to one another through thick and thin.
In this family of God, Jesus is our Savior and brother, Mary is our spiritual Mother, Joseph is our spiritual Father, the saints and the angels are our brothers and sisters. And in this family, we take care of one another. So let’s begin by not putting Jesus aside after Christmas. Read his life every day in the Gospels, talk to him from the heart, then do what he tells you.
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From the throne of His Cross Jesus proclaimed Mary as the Spiritual Mother of all people when he said, 'Behold, your mother. And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his heart.
Jesus is Mary's only (biological) son, but her spiritual motherhood extends to all men whom indeed he came to save.
Learn to belong to her as Jesus did. Because of her perfect union with the Holy Spirit, she can make you like Jesus. Stay close to her.
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St. Joseph was the father, protector and provider of the Holy Family. Jesus lives in your heart. Therefore, Joseph is your spiritual father – develop a personal relationship with him – go confidently to him with all your needs – and experience his miraculous care.
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Have you ever considered angels your brothers? They also form part of God’s family because they too are united to God, sharing in His divine life. For that is what it means to be in heaven. CCC 336 From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. St Basil tells us “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." Our guardian angel can anticipate all danger, help you against all temptation, help you solve all problems you can’t solve on your own and help you take advantage of all the opportunities God wants for you. Begin talking with your angel throughout the day, they are real persons by your side, and pay close attention to the inspirations they give and the ways they guide you. Go to them often.
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The Holy Family has a responsibility to care for us, we also have a responsibility to care spiritually and materially for others.
It is so easy to default into our individual routines of work, entertainment and doing whatever we want to do. You were made to be a saint, but you won’t make it on your on and neither will those around you. The feast of the Holy Family is here to remind us we are not made to go it alone. This must be the year we gather our family and friends, our team or whatever you want to call them, commit to share life regularly, and pray the Rosary together.