How wonderful it is that the Lord Christ chose to come among us as part of a family coming into this world in the same way that we all came. That is a clear sign of how much our Lord wishes to unite with us, truly becoming like us in all things but sin.

That is a great honour for our human nature and for marriage and family and shows that the joys and sorrows of family life are an important part of the path to holiness.

On this feast day the consecration of the families of all who form part of Opus Dei is renewed, a consecration first made by St Josemaria in 1951.

A meditation by Fr Tom Dowd