Feast of the Holy Family

One

You are part of the Holy Family. By faith and Baptism Jesus lives in you.

Now think of this, Mary is the mother of Jesus, and Jesus lives in you, therefore she is your Spiritual Mother. And since Jesus lives in us, St. Joseph, the father of Jesus is our foster father. He took care of all Jesus needs and he continues to care for us. 

Jesus was part of the Holy Family and since he lives in us, we are now part of the Holy Family, with Mary as our mother and Joseph as our guardian, protector, and provider, and Jesus as our Brother.

We are to live in a friendship with all three as they help us become more and more like Christ.  

St. John Paul II wrote that when we pray the Rosary it, “mystically transports us to Mary's side as she is busy watching over the human growth of Christ in the home of Nazareth. This enables her to train us and to mold us with the same care until Christ is “fully formed” in us (cf. Gal 4:19).” Rosarium 15

When we pray the Rosary, the Holy Spirit somehow brings us to the home of the Holy Family in Nazareth. Did you know that? Were you aware of where you are going when we pray the Rosary? Probably not. So let me help you today because I’ve been to the home of the Holy Family a whole bunch of times in Nazareth. I can show you the way. So let’s go there for breakfast, that’s when I like to go. 

As we begin to pray the Our Father and ten Hail Marys, we’ll begin to walk up the hill to their little home. Nazareth is on a hill. It’s a bright sunny morning. Birds are happy and singing. Okay, there’s their home, not very big, but its clean and beautiful. We go up to the door and knock, a moment of nervous anticipation. 

Two

As we stand there and wait, St. Joseph opens the door, he welcomes us in. 

There is a nice hot breakfast and hot drinks waiting on the table. They invite you to sit down and you take your place. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus sit down at their places and Our Lady pours you a nice hot drink and you pick up your mug. 

Here you are…And here they are…and it’s not make-believe.

Our Lady looks at you will such a welcoming smile and she says to you, “You know, I’ve watched over you for a long time. I am so happy we can finally talk. What’s on your mind this morning?”

What would you say to her? What have you always wanted to say to her?

Now during the Our Father and Hail Mary’s pay attention to what she says to you in response, deep in your soul.

Three

Then Mary turns and introduces you more intimately to Jesus. 

How old is he? He could be almost any age when you come to their home. He lived there until he was 30. Sometimes when I go he’s about 2, like my grandson Elliot. Our Lady places him on my lap and we talk. Sometimes he’s more like 12, sometimes he’s a grown man – strong, handsome…peaceful. 

Can you hear him say to you, “You have many things on your mind today. Tell me about them.” 

Tell him everything burdening your soul. Then give him time, let him speak to you. 

Then Jesus senses, he knows there is one thing that is bothering you, one thing you feel has come between you and him and you want to tell him about it…do so now and listen closely to what he says in response.

Four

Joseph has been quietly listening, occasionally getting up to stir the fire or bring more food and drink to the table.

He sits down and turns to you now and he speaks, sharing with you how God the Father entrusted him with the responsibility of taking care of Mary and Jesus, providing for them, protecting them. 

Imagine that he looks deep into your eyes saying, “I will do the same for you. I have been charged with your care as well. Bring all your needs to me.”

This is when I usually tell Joseph that Mary and Jesus have made it clear what they want me to do but I have a problem – I forget, or to be honest, I’m too attached to my sinful desires and fears that I don’t do it.

Joseph smiles and says, “I know what it’s like being the imperfect one in the bunch. But I’ll help you with your resolutions. Entrust your resolutions to me and turn to me often. We’ll do it together.”

Five

Go as often as possible.

I love going to the Home of the Holy Family early in the morning for breakfast and good conversation. But you can go anytime you like, anytime you pick up the Rosary, or anytime you turn your mind and heart to their home in Nazareth in prayer because Nazareth is in your soul. 

What I like best is that I can be myself there. I go when I’m happy, I go when I’m anxious and overwhelmed, I go when I’m so angry I could…well, I don’t know what…I go just to work things out with them that I can’t figure out on my own. I go when I’ve sinned because they are my refuge. 

Most of all, I just go and hang out, and spend time with them. Oh, they go about their business, but there is always food or at least a hot pot of coffee ready.

And I promise, if you go, I won’t be there. Somehow, they have a place and time just for you. I don’t know how, but they do. 

Go there and talk to them now and do it often.