The Sunday after Christmas is the Feast of the Holy Family. As a divorced woman, I sometimes cringe at the readings, feeling like they don’t apply to me, or that I have somehow messed it all up already. But today I watched the homily of Fr. Mick Schmitz, which I loved. It made sense to me. He talked about the roles of Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the scriptures, Joseph never says a word, but he listens to the promptings of God. He takes Mary and the baby Jesus to different locations to protect them. He accepts his responsibility and is the protector and provider of the family. Mary nurtures the baby Jesus as mother and puts her trust in her husband Joseph, trusting that he is looking out for their best interest. Seems simple enough. Yet, in our current world, “roles” as mother and father, husband and wife, or even as woman and man seem to be invalid. That leaves us all grasping for an identity, a purpose, a guide. That is not to say that all people, marriages, and families should and do function the same. The big take away for me was that when we human beings follow the plans God has for us, our lives are more free, loving, and peaceful. Here are some of the statements that particularly struck my heart:

Joseph and Jesus are incredible examples of masculinity – strength developed and put at the service of the people around them.

Mary is an example of courage and trust, “Let it be done to me.”

Proverbs 31 describes women as “the woman of valor”… she’s trustworthy, she’s strong – physically strong, spiritually strong, emotionally strong.

A holy man and a holy woman are not the same, but are complementary.

All individuals are called to be holy… to put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bear with one another and forgive one another. … over all these put on love. (Colossians 3:12-21)

Even though I am divorced, I can still take Mary’s lead by being courageous and trusting in God and His path for my life. I am incredibly grateful that He is my provider and protector and has been for many years. When I can let go of my attempts to control and simply trust I am allowing God to be merciful in my life and the lives of those around me. Today, I prayed for all the families I know in all the situations and circumstances that may be.

I Found God today in examples of Holy people and a Holy Family.