JMJ – Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
The Holy Family…
Today, on the Feast of the Holy Family, we recognize the family unit of Jesus:
[Jesus] went down with [Joseph and Mary] and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man. –Luke 2:51-52, NAB
Each member of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, inspires us in different ways, and together, they should be an example of holiness that our families should also follow.
Jesus, of course, is our Lord and Savior, and His entire life serves as a model for us to follow. He is our King and worthy of our praise. He is the Son of God, but He is also the Son of Mary and the adopted Son of Joseph. He may be divine, but He still remained obedient to His earthly parents.
The Blessed Virgin Mary is an example of trusting in God’s will. She was chosen to be the mother of Our Savior because of her faith. She nurtured and cared for her Son, from His birth to His death on the cross. Like many mothers, she was always one of Jesus’ biggest fans and greatest supporters.
St. Joseph showed his trust and faith in God’s will by becoming Jesus’ adoptive father. He raised Jesus as his own – sharing with Jesus the wisdom that fathers often do. He taught Jesus the family trade, carpentry, and taught Him how to be a man.
Jesus loved His family like any child would. Together, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph – the Holy Family – teach us about the obedience of children, the nurturing support of motherhood, and the wisdom and teaching of fathers. May we follow their example in our own families as both children and parents.