The Holy Family

“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.” Lk 2:39-40

The building block of the human family is the individual family. By our Lord becoming a member of a family, the Holy Family, He blessed all families. The Holy Family teaches us how to live in communion with each other as members of families and in communion with God.

Jesus grew and became strong. He did so through the help and example of St. Joseph, the Head of the Holy Family. St. Joseph protected the infant Savior and taught Jesus to be a carpenter and create beautiful objects with His sacred hands. Our Lord building earthly things becomes a symbol of His building a heavenly dwelling for all of us by means of His saving death on the cross.

The favor of God was upon Jesus as He grew us in Nazareth. What a favor to have such a Blessed Mother! As Joseph taught Jesus how to work, Mary taught Jesus to be obedient to the Father’s perfect will.

We can imagine, as well, frequent visits to the Holy Family by Jesus’ cousin John and his mother Elizabeth. The Holy Family shared their love freely in hospitality.