Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family. The first Holy Family I think about is Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. That is a pretty high standard. But the deacon who talked about the scripture readings pointed out that each one of us have a responsibility and opportunity to be part of a holy family. It begins with how we treat one another. He referred to Colossians 3:12-15, “Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.” I thought about the people in my own immediate family. Like all families, we each have our own faults and failures. We have different opinions on things and don’t always agree. Individually we don’t always make the best choices or say the right things. We are in all different places with our faith, our financial status, and our life goals. But regardless of all this, I feel that we each strive to live by the guidance in the scripture in our own way. I know that no matter what, my family will always be supportive and compassionate. During the Christmas weekend, I reflected on how blessed I am to have a loving family in my life.

I Found God today in our striving to be a holy family.