According to Catholic tradition and belief, the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, is rooted in a unique and sacred family unit. Accordingly, Jesus is the Son of God who took on human form and was born to the Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit. In fact, in the first preface of Christmas, it speaks of God being invisible in nature and begotten before all time, now visible in our nature and exists in time. Mary, the Blessed Virgin, is revered as the Mother of God and is considered sinless and full of grace. Joseph, as the earthly father of Jesus, played a crucial role in the upbringing and protection of the Holy Family.
Catholics view the Holy Family as a model for all families, emphasizing the importance of love, obedience, and faithfulness with the family unit. Mary is seen as the essence of motherhood, demonstrating devotion, humility and complete surrender to the Will of God. Joseph is seen as the ideal father figure, providing a loving and nurturing support system for Jesus and Mary.
However, here we should take a brief moment and look at Joseph and give him some “extra credit.” He is the only sinner in the family. That is a tough role to be in…Jesus is sinless—as God—and Mary, free from every stain of sin from her conception, to be the pure vessel that brought the Savior of the world into existence. How do we think Joseph felt when something went wrong in the home?!?
In this celebration today, the Feast of the Holy Family, we honor Jesus, Mary and Joseph as role models of family life—offering forgiveness, love and peace, as well as individually as role models of discipleship. We as Catholics are also called to seek the Holy Family’s protection, guidance and unity in our families as well as in our own lives.
As we celebrate this Feast on Sunday, we are called to keep in mind the Catholic understanding of the importance of family values, the sanctity of marriage, and the central role of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in God’s plan of salvation for the human race. (Sources: Catholic Encyclopedia, on line Services)