The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Readings of the Day

“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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