As we stand before the statues of Mary and Joseph piously gazing down at the splendor of their newborn child, a typical reaction is to contrast “our” family to the example of the Holy Family (the very reason for this special Sunday.) But there is an inherent hazard in doing so. Rare is the family that can relate to these saintly images.
Many families think they are so ORDINARY, being “holy” is far beyond their grasp. So, they begin to impose austere family devotional practices (to become “holier”). Others feel their families are such a “train wreck” they have no chance of being holy, and simply give up trying. Sadly, both perceptions miss the point: that our families, warts, weird relatives, troubles, issues and all, ARE HOLY, because they are so ORDINARY! Doing the extraordinary is not required.
We know practically nothing about the early family years of Jesus, other than he lived a most ORDINARY life! He was born into an ORDINARY home with no luxuries, in an extremely backwater, ORDINARY community, struggling with living and loving through the challenges of daily life. Yet, this type of “ORDINARY life” is the home life ordained by God for all of us, where hopefully we learn, as did Jesus, the difference between good and evil, respect for parents, respect for community and to grow in the fear, love and wisdom of God. Sounds ORDINARY, doesn’t it? Nonetheless this is what makes it so holy, because it fulfills God’s divine plan.
St. Therese of the Child Jesus once said: “Holiness consists in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.” In our second reading from Colossians, Paul gives a clearer model of a holiness: people who are kind, compassionate, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving. No challenging religious devotions here, rather basic courtesies ORDINARY families are already doing. Surprisingly, there is a profound simplicity, and ORDINARINESS to being a holy family.
As we gaze upon the nativity scene this year, let’s ask ourselves this question: “Are we “ORDINARY enough” to be called a “holy family?” Here are a couple simple, ORDINARY suggestions to begin implementing a holier new year if your answer was “no”.
First, come together in prayer at least once a day. Many families don’t eat together so a most obvious time to gather is dinner, with a simple blessing of the food and family each time. Holiness can’t be any simpler than that! And speaking of coming together for a meal, let’s ask ourselves how often we attend mass as a united family gathered for the Lord’s supper.
Holiness is more about honesty and humility than it is about wearing haloes. Because...our infinitely wise God set the holiness bar low enough for everyone to reach!