A family that prays together devoutly stays together. This is a very old quote but it is not old fashioned. It is true & relevant even today. We in the family must set certain time for family prayer and this should be priority in our life. God should be first, always. Daily Mass, Morning Prayer, personal prayer, Angelus, Rosary, Word of God, Reflection and so on. Mother Mary prayed and thanked the Lord in all circumstances (Magnificat). She was concerned, courageous, humble and she herself forgot about her own self and walked in that place. Our dinner table is the most important place in our home where we all sit and eat what is served on the table, talking, laughing and mention those with whom we have interacted for the day. Also some will comment on food reminders for the next day’s chores, like birthday’s, Anniversary’s or any one sick in the vicinity or in the family, any news on the paper so that we all can communicate with each other. Moral obligations of the family of every member is important to inculcate the values so that the kids know to share in the family. You can request them to do small things so that they may participate in your work as St. Joseph was working and Baby Jesus was around the place helping His Father. Each member should contribute to build Holy Family. United we stand, divided we fall. We must teach our children to leave their comfort zone. By doing so we are reminded of the importance of the birth and growth of children in the context of marriage and family. We are also reminded of the need for each member of the family to fully embrace his/her responsibilities for the mutual benefits of all.
The Holy Family teaches us that in each family every member should be supported through thick and thin circumstances. Consider how St. Joseph protected Mother Mary and the Child Jesus by taking them to Egypt in order to escape the wrath of King Herod. Like St. Joseph let us do our best to protect the life and image of every member of our family, as we know it is very comforting and re-assuring when one knows that his / her family would support him / her through thick and thin. The Holy Family teaches us that even when we do not understand or agree with a member of our family, we should let him / her feel at home. For instance when St. Joseph and Mother Mary found the boy Jesus in the Temple, they warmly welcomed him though they did not understand His action nor His reply to question of His anxious Mother Mary. This is a lesson for us to make a child, parent or spouse accepted and cherished even when we do not understand his / her actions nor agree with him / her.
Therefore assisted by divine grace, let us all make good efforts to progress spiritually, socially, academically / professionally to the Glory of God and to the joy of our families.
Theresa Dias