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When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the
Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The
child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of
God was upon him. Luke 2:39–40
Today we honor family life in general by pausing to ponder the
particular and beautiful hidden life within the home of Jesus, Mary
and Joseph. In many ways, their daily life together would have been
very similar to other families at that time. But in other ways,
their life together is entirely unique and provides us with a
perfect model for all families.
By God’s providence and design, the family life of Jesus, Mary and
Joseph was spoken of in the Scripture very little. We read of the
birth of Jesus, the presentation in the Temple, the flight into
Egypt and the finding of Jesus in the Temple at age twelve. But
other than these stories of their life together, we know very
little.
The line from today’s Gospel quoted above does, however, give us
some insight worth pondering. First, we see that this family
“fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord…” Though
this is in reference to Jesus being presented in the Temple, it
should also be understood to apply to all aspects of their life
together. Family life, just like our individual lives, must be
ordered by the laws of our Lord.
The primary law of the Lord regarding family life is that it must
share in the very unity and “communion of love” found in the life
of the Most Holy Trinity. Each person of the Holy Trinity has
perfect respect for the other, gives selflessly to each other
without reserve, and receives each person in their totality. It is
their love that makes them one and enables them to act together in
perfect harmony as a communion of divine Persons. Though Saint
Joseph was not immaculate in his nature, the perfection of love did
live in his divine Son and in his immaculate wife. This
overwhelming gift of their perfect love would have daily drawn him
into the perfection of their lives.
Ponder your own closest relationships today. If you are blessed
with a close family, ponder them. If not, ponder the persons put
into your life who you are called to love with familial love. Who
are you to be there for in good times and in bad? Who are you to
sacrifice your life for without reserve? Who are you to offer
respect, compassion, time, energy, mercy, generosity and every
other virtue? And how well do you fulfill this duty of
love?
Reflect, today, upon the fact that God wants you to share in a
communion of life, not only with the Most Holy Trinity but also
with those around you, especially your family. Try to ponder the
hidden life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and seek to make their family
relationship the model for how you love others. May their perfect
communion of love be a model for us all.
Lord, draw me into the life, love and communion that You lived
with Your Immaculate Mother and Saint Joseph. I offer You myself,
my family and all those to whom I am called to love with a special
love. May I imitate Your family love and life in all my
relationships. Help me to know how to change and grow so that I may
more fully share in Your family life. Jesus, I trust in You.
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Featured image above: The Holy Family of Nazareth, via
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