Jesus Christ and the Family

December 26, 2017

“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wine on the lees well refined. And he will destroy on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, ‘Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’” – Isaiah 25:6-9

Meditation
Merry Christmas! Though only described briefly in Scripture, the home at Nazareth was our Lord’s preferred dwelling place from His birth to the time of His public ministry – a full 30 years! Truly, the Lord has a heart for the home. During the wedding feast of Cana, Christ transforms over a hundred gallons of water to choice wine – a truly superabundant gift! The spiritual significance is profound; the Lord has restored joy to mankind, to the heart of man and woman. In fact, marriage continues to be a place of joy – married couples are happier, healthier, and wealthier than other individuals in society according to current sociological data. The family is an incredible component of the super abundant life that Jesus Christ came to give us. Do we taste this joy in our own families?

Live It! Tip of the Week: The Lord has come! Rejoice and be glad! Surprise your family this octave of Christmas with something superabundant – a special meal or dessert, a family outing to a favorite park or event, or a special activity together.

Prayer
“I wish to invoke the protection of the Holy Family of Nazareth.. it is therefore the prototype and example for all Christian families..St. Joseph was a just man..may he always guard, protect and enlighten families. May the Virgin Mary, who is the Mother of the Church, also be the Mother of the Church of the home…May Christ the Lord, the Universal King, the King of families, be present in every Christian home as He was at Cana, bestowing light, joy, serenity, and strength.” -St. Pope John Paul II