Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (B) We each image God in our own way. But we also image God when we form a community of persons in the family. When bonds of family love are secure, we can experience a pervasive sense of peace and joy. Family members are able to thrive and develop to their full potential. This heals the core wound of fear.

On the other hand, when the parents are not rooted in God's faithful love, the family experiences fear and insecurity which leads to self-protection. We develop pockets of woundedness that keep us from truly loving and being loved.

Spouses eventually realize that only the love of God that surrounds them can make their marriage succeed. Intimacy with God allows them to receive what they need to love one another. If neither spouse is willing to plug into God, they end up slowly draining one another.

Around the Holy Family are Simeon and Anna. They are grandparent figures. They show the love of the community that surrounds each family. The Holy Family offers us a glimpse into God's desire that our families be holy, holy, and happy.

(31 Dec 2023)

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