Feast of the Holy Family

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. As I reflect on this day, I am drawn to recall the creche that my mother painted in ceramics. It was a large display that included Mary, Joseph, Jesus, shepherds, and many animals. This creche has been in my family for some 70 years. Currently, it is in the possession of my brother. Each of the figures was painstakingly painted with love and care. My job as a child was to put the baby Jesus into His bed. It was such an honor to have this job.

Apparently, my mother made several of these for various family members. As time has passed, they have been passed down within the family. My grandfather’s set will be given to his great granddaughter, my oldest niece, to continue the tradition of displaying this precious scene.

The life of the holy family was not an easy one as they faced many obstacles. They faced scandal, a census journey, and rejection. They embraced the journey with courage, trust, and faith.

In many ways their experience mirrors the struggles of many today. Migrants are fleeing their homelands in search of safety. They are experiencing separation, persecution, and difficult situations. These migrants are the holy families today. Their experience is similar to that of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. May we reach out and help them as we can.

We know that God is with them and God is with us. May we always recognize God’s presence in our lives, in the good times and the difficult ones. May we trust in God’s love and plan for us.