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by Sister Paulette Hupfauf
We know very little about the Holy Family while they lived in the small village of Nazareth. Yet the feast day Collect Prayer ("O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family" 1) had me ponder: What do we really know about the Holy Family?
Part of the answer seems to come from St. Paul in his Letter to the Colossians: "... as God's chosen ones, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness & patience ... over all these things put on love."(2) Then the Gospel Acclamation seems to capture how we might follow the example. "Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." (3)
May each of us be living examples to our families, neighbors and community of the peace of Christ and the Word of Christ as the Holy Family is for us.
1: Excerpt from the English translation of The
Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in
the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.
2 & 3: Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New
American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used
by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part
of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without
permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Wonderful reflection Sr. Paulette. A quote from my son, "mom, you disciplined us but you always disciplined with love."
Sister, I like the quotes you chose from St. Paul. They help make each of holy persons.
This family inherited a "mess." How they chose to live with the "mess" is what made them holy. In this, they are an example, and a source of great strength, comfort, inspiration, and courage.