Christ Among the Doctors
Albrecht Durer
1506
Oil on panel, 65 x 80 cm
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid
Sunday
December 27, 2015
The Ultimate Model of a Loving Family
“On this feast of the Holy Family we celebrate Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the ultimate model of a loving family dedicated to the will of God and the good of His people. While we salute the Holy Family we take the time to look at our own lives, considering the best way to love our family – and then take that love out into the larger world. As St. Paul told the early Christians, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.... And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection†(Colossians 3:12-14).
The life of the Holy Family seemed simple and unremarkable. Each member loved the others. This love was not only a feeling, but also a day-by-day expression of practical devotion. Let us follow their example.
Suggested missionary action: We imitate Jesus, Mary and Joseph by being obedient to the will of God. During this Year of Mercy, we must strive to grow spiritually each day and to share our belief in Christ with others and encourage their faith.†This reflection is from One Family In Mission.
The Jubilee of Families, one of the moments of the year-long Jubilee of Mercy,
will take place on Sunday December 27, 2015, the feast of the Holy Family.
For full information, visit Jubilee of Families.