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The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Readings of the Day
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"Let
the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell
in you
deeply." Over the past few years, I have put more and more
thought into what it
means to live a Christ-centered life. Does it mean to go to Mass every
Sunday?
Does it mean to say your prayers every night before you get in bed?
Does it
mean to tithe weekly to your parish? Or does it mean to love your
neighbor like
a brother and colleague like a sister? Does it mean to pray for the
guy that
just cut you off in traffic on the way to work? What does it mean to
let the
peace and word of Christ permeate through you-a living
monstrance for our Lord?

I
think that the second reading today could not be clearer for how God
wishes us
to live our lives. He doesn't leave much gray to work around.
Put on "heartfelt
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." He
tells us to
forgive those with whom we have grievances, just as He forgives us as
many
times as we ask and more.

When
we go about our busy days, trying to meet deadlines and focusing more
inwardly
on our own wishes and needs, what then are we putting on? Selfishness?
Greed?
Pride? In these moments of temptation, think of Joseph, the patient
and loving
foster father for Jesus, as he cares for his family. On this
celebration of the
Holy Family, think of the "Yes!" that both Mary and Joseph
had to say. Where
would we be then if they had not worn such humility and patience? What
beautiful
virtues we can model like the Holy Family as we practice charity and
mercy in
our lives, living with Christ inside us. Go out and be a monstrance
for the
world. Share these virtues abundantly.

 

Kimberly Phelan is the
Parish Relations Associate at Catholic Charities of Central
Texas. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




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