Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family. As a former evangelical believer, the concept of Jesus having a family only seemed important to me during the Christmas season. It was only once a year, that I came close to fulfilling Mary's statement in the Magnificat that "all generations will call me blessed." Catholicism has taught me to appreciate Jesus' family and the appreciation of his Holy Family encourages me to be a better father and husband. His step father, Joseph was a godly man who took great risk in his life to obey God, marry a virgin who was pregnant and then transport his new young family to safety in a foreign land. Surely, he modeled respect and obedience for God to young Jesus. His mother, Mary, is the model for all Christians by saying "yes" to God, "May it be unto me according to your word." Since Jesus' mom is Mary and he is my spritual brother, it is not a stretch to say that Mary is our mother too! At the Cross, Jesus gave his Mom to John, but this has always been interpreted by the Church as Jesus giving his mother to us as well.
Here is a poem posted by another revert/convert posted in honor of this great feast day.
Bon Appetit!
Jesus, Son of God, You left glory and throne And descended to earth Where you had not a home A babe at Mary's breast You fell softly asleep, Near her Immaculate Heart, Full of love, pure and deep St. Joseph did guide you As you learned at his hand And growing in stature You became a man You loved the world But the world hated you Our Lord of Mercy, Bearing Good News But love us you did As you hung on that cross Forgiving the sins Committed by us Breathing your last as Blessed Mary looked on, You gave us a Mother When you gave her to John Jesus, Mary we love you Save souls that are lost St. Joseph, patron of families, Please pray for us!
"susie melkus 12.16.06"
