Greetings in Christ, all!
The first weekend after Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. This is a time when we remember the example and seek the prayers of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Each year I tend to put out parts of a little document I made about how we, as families, can become more holy.
Our individual families form the bedrock of our society and our Church: as such, the goal of being a Holy Family is always attainable with the help of the Holy Spirit and a concerted effort on our part.
These ideas can help us within our individual family units, as well as our Parish Family unit. When we live these rules at home and in our Church, we will find the experience transformative. With that looooong intro, let’s get right after it. Here are a couple ideas for how we can be more holy within our families.
We must forgive:
When you hurt someone, don’t simply say “I’m sorry.” All that does is describe how you feel. Look them in the eye and say “I ask you to forgive me for…” and give them the power to release the debt or collect it. This is important because it is inevitable that we will hurt each other. Giving that hurt to God and being merciful will fill our lives with light. Holding onto anger will turn us into people we do not want to be.
We must not hold anyone in our family to a standard we can’t keep ourselves:
This goes right into mercy: you are doing your best and its generally safe to assume others are as well. You and I cannot pull off perfect and neither can our siblings. To learn to love someone and be sure they know your love in the midst of their struggles is a gift to both people.
Be Grateful:
Love the people God gave you. See them anew each day: see their gifts and talents and how rich your life is because they are in it. Speak that love, speak that gratitude and be specific in your praise. Be as encouraging to others as you wish others would be to you.
So.. those are some standards I challenge myself on within my family and now I share them with you.
Thank you for being my family…I love you all and thank God for you.
fjk
