Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Readings of the Day 

11 years today, my grandmother, Virginia, entered into eternal life at the age of 96 with my father and uncle standing at her side. I vividly remember that morning: waking up to the news and meeting my father at church for 10:30 AM Mass. Although we were heartbroken, there was no other place we wanted to be: gathered as a family on the Feast of the Holy Family, reflecting on and mourning the loss of our matriarch while giving thanks to God for the long life she lived.

Today’s first reading reminds me so much of my father because of its very literal connections: “My children, take care of your parents when they are old…even if their mind fails, be considerate of them,” (Sir 3:13). Grandma Zirngibl lived with my family for almost three years when I was in high school because her mind was failing due to Alzheimer’s. When the time finally came that she needed more care than we could give, my father visited her every day at the assisted living facility on his way home from work. “Kindness to a parent will not be forgotten,” (Sir 3:14). In the years that followed, the virtues listed in the second reading from Colossians truly came alive within our family: heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, thankfulness, and above all else, love. 

On this feast day, I think about the perfect love between Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and the example they continue to set for all of us. I also think back to a couple of weeks ago listening to the genealogy of Jesus, and the many “characters” listed within his extended family. So many families, (mine included!) struggle to live out the above listed virtues on a daily basis. The stress of life, exacerbated by a global pandemic, has brought out the best and the worst of us. These virtues also serve as an examination of conscience: have I exhibited these virtues in my own life? How have I grown in them? When have I fallen short? If we look to the Holy Family, who is perfect, we can strive to put Jesus, who is love, at the center of family life despite all of its messiness.  

Finally, for those of us working in social ministry who willingly enter into the lives of families in need, “whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him,” (Col 3:17). Although our eyes have not seen salvation like Simeon and Anna in today’s gospel, we know that peace comes from “a house raised in justice,” (Sir 3: 14).  So many of the families we serve either in our parish, diocese or agency, are struggling to find peace due immediate and direct needs because of illness, job loss, the death of a loved one, etc. I pray that we will have the courage and resilience to continue serving those in need while being prophetic in our efforts to raise a house built on the virtues of justice, peace, and love.  

Catherine Orr serves as the Program Coordinator for the Roundtable Association of Catholic Diocesan Social Action Directors and as the Pastoral Associate at Lumen Christi Parish in Mequon, WI. She also sits on the board of the Catholic Labor Network and on the Catholic Charities USA Parish Social Ministry Leadership Team. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her husband and two children. 

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