February is the month during which the Church traditionally venerates the Holy Family of Nazareth: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. But why should we learn to love and, indeed, imitate the Holy Family? Jenny Ingles, pictured below, the Director of Marriage, Family, and Life Ministries for the Diocese of Lansing, now explains. Jenny writes:
“When the transcendent God entered human history in corporeal form, in the person of Jesus Christ, he could have done so in any way he so deigned. And yet, he chose to enter human history within a family. It was within the family, we are told, that ‘Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man’ (Luke 2:52).”
“That’s why the Holy Family is the model for all families. If we too keep Christ at the heart of our family, if we too allow ourselves to be mentored by Mary and Joseph, then we too will grow in virtue and holiness in communion with our loved ones within our family.”
So, throughout this month, do try to make a commitment to pray together as a family, work together as a family, play together, and practice the virtues together. And don’t forget to pray and ask the Holy Family to intercede that you might become a holy family too!
