Is there such a thing as the perfect family? Mine is not, is yours? What would it mean to be the “perfect family”?
Today’s feast makes clear that holy families are human families, with gifts and challenges. Love contains joy and wonder, but also pain and struggle. But families are and should be our schools of love and holiness.
The Holy Family, just as each of our own families, reminds us of a relationship with God. Loving God is not meant to be an isolated experience or a personal matter only. So many people today say they are spiritual but not religious, which is somewhat contradictory, but also depends on your definition of both. Can someone really believe and know God if they do not bring that understanding to relationships. Whether it is family, or friends, spouse or parent, our understanding of God should be shared with others. Likewise, the love we share with family members is to be shared beyond. Once baptized, we all become members of the family of the Church and thus are referred to as brothers and sisters. Our immediate family and the parish family nurture and support us, especially when in crisis or transition. These relationships involve sharing and giving as well as receiving.
Internal and external forces can fracture families. Recall the separation of immigrant children from their parents seeking asylum in the United States. Sadly, separating families is not a new issue. As took place in the slave trade or the current unjust incarceration of black and Hispanic men, racial inequalities still exist.
Our God, born in a refugee family, fleeing the country for their lives, cares for those in crisis and so should we as a Church community. It is our responsibility to help preserve the integrity, wholeness, and sacredness of families in every community. It truly does start with each and every one of us, and our Catholic Bishops need to take a stronger stance to defend the family and those in crisis. The USCCB has a great resource I would encourage you to study, at www.justiceforimmigrants.org.
Pray as a family and pray for families. Pray for the family of the Church and the family of humanity. Pray for unity and peace and love and respect. Holy Family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, pray for us.