Reflection on the Feast of the Holy Family
by Joni Osnes

The past few weeks we have been encouraged to look for Jesus Christ in our every day lives. The readings this weekend made me remember that the first place that I learned about Jesus was in my home as a young child. We all attended Mass together. Sometimes the chaos of seven children and a mom and dad using the one bathroom to get ready did not resemble the "holy family." Nor did the scene of Dad sitting in the car, honking the horn at us because he was ready to go and we weren't. But once we were in church and sitting perfectly still, the prayers in the Mass had a real calming effect on most of us. (My younger brother Ken still can't sit still.)

My Mom's quiet faith and trust in her Lord was catching. She was able to accept whatever came with a real awareness of Jesus walking with her. It was what got her through the many mishaps and wanderings of each of her children. It was what helped her sit with sick children and to trust that there would be enough love and resources to raise her family.

I recall Dad kneeling at his bed to say his night prayers. He never really talked about his faith but we knew it was a deep part of him. He recited the rosary each day. This was the routine he began when he was serving in Korea in the early 1950's and continued until the end of his life. His family stood around his bed reciting the rosary for him in his last minutes of earthly life. That day I felt the Lord's presence with his family.

The family is called the "domestic church" and it is here that we are able to model Christ's love to one another. Here we accept each other where each is at, with unconditional love. We are called to pray each of our family members to eternal life. We are called to ask for and to give each other forgiveness. This Christmastide let us remember the angel's greeting to the shepherds, "Peace on Earth" by striving to find that peace in our families.