The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph model for our families

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Gen. 15:1-6.21: 1-3, Heb. 11: 8.11-12.17-19, Lk. 2:22-40. On this last Sunday of the year, the Church presents the Holy Family of Nazareth, Jesus, Mary and Joseph as a model for our families. The family is the nucleus of the human society and the place where life and learning begins. The family of Nazareth are called “The Holy Family” not because they do not have any problem or face any challenge but that they were able to overcome their challenges with faith in God and obedience to His will. In today's first reading, God tells Abram “fear not Abram, I am your shield”… and Abram put his faith in the Lord. Sarah and Abraham had a child. A promise was made and fulfilled...and the fulfillment of this promise changed the history of salvation. In today's Gospel, another couple receives a promise that is being fulfilled. Mary and Joseph brought their child to the Temple for they were obedient and followed the law of Moses: “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord.” They did not have the resources to offer a lamb, so they offered “the sacrifice of a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.” The Holy Family was indeed a most holy family because it received exceptional graces but it also had to endure trials just as all families do. What kept the Holy Family together and sane throughout all of these trials and challenges was ‘Love for each other and God’. Jesus’ love for Mary and Mary’s love for Jesus and the love of everyone of them for God the Father. What holds our families together also in times of difficulty is love and forgiveness. It is love which triumphs in the end, even if for a while love may have to take the form of some honest talking. When discipline needs to be given, if it is not given in love it is reduced to abuse. If ever our families fail in any way, it is because of a lack of love on someone’s part. Whenever our families are successful, it is because they are bond in love. May the Lord bring peace to all troubled family and make our home altars of love, joy and unity! Amen!! Stay safe and save life, have a united Holy Family Sunday!!!