The Holy Family as the Model for Contemporary Catholic Families

We need look no further for the real solution to the crisis within the family. Almighty God gave us—two millennia ago—the remedy for all family discord. In the Holy Family of Nazareth we have the perfect example of family life and the urgently needed “way out” of our contemporary family-related perplexities.

Page after page have been penned about the Holy Family; much of this inspiring material extols the many and varied virtues found in the “Holy House” of Nazareth. But, some have contended: “I know all about the perfect Holy Family. I’m a long way from being saintly. How can I—with all my sins—imitate the Son of God (Who couldn’t sin because of His Divinity), Our Blessed Lady (who was preserved from Original Sin from the moment of her conception by the singular privilege called the Immaculate Conception) and Saint Joseph (who, some spiritual authors argue, may have been freed from Original Sin shortly after his conception or who, at the very least, lived a remarkably virtuous life)?”

Perhaps the question can be summarized simply. Is the Holy Family truly imitable? The works of the Fa thers of the Church and scores of reputable, orthodox Catholic spiritual writers, not to mention the witness of thousands of saints all answer with a resounding, “yes.” No matter our past sins and current struggles, it is possible—and even necessary—to imitate Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

The Holy Family of Nazareth encountered many of the same obstacles that we do daily: those who are trying by their attitudes or actions; little unplanned inconveniences; and limitations imposed by weather and time, etc. Jesus, Mary and Joseph met these contradictions head-on—and refused to complain about that which did not go as they hoped.

The secret of the Holy Family is confidence in the Lord’s care and providence. The Divine Child, His Mother, and Foster Father so abandoned themselves to the Father that they trusted completely in His love and concern for them. Sadness and turmoil could not shake their serenity, so rooted in God were they.

This edifying confidence in God does not appear overnight. A concerted effort to pray, to be charitable, to do penance, and to follow the Creator’s Com mand ments is critical for those seeking to imitate Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Union with God is the Lord’s gift to those who sincerely avail themselves of it. Achieving the virtues which permeated the Holy Family cannot be done without “allowing” the Lord to fill one with His Holy Spirit, thereby preparing the soil of the soul to be receptive to all which God wants to do.

Prayerful diligence is crucial in the battle for Christian perfection. The Holy Family is the pattern of holiness for individuals as well as for families. Each member of the Holy Family contributed to the whole family. Each person was aware of the responsibility to work together for the glorification of the Father.

Sacred Scripture reminds us that God wants us to be holy. He will not settle for “half holiness.” He desires to be the center of our very existence, knowing that if we make Him the core of our lives, we shall certainly become holy. It is impossible to authentically draw close to God—holiness itself—without increasing in sanctity.

Modern families need to put their complete confidence in God. Athletics, money, school activities, and the like save no one. These are not of supreme value. What is non-negotiable is faith in and abandonment to the Lord. Problems of all sorts can be faced and overcome when families actively turn to the Lord for His powerful assistance.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph teach us—and especially our families—that a close relationship to our loving God is indispensable. For those families who observe the lives of the Holy Family of Nazareth and attempt to follow their prayer, service, charity, penance and joy in the midst of tribulation, holiness will be the by-product. Sanctity is attainable by those who place their trust in God and seek His Face.