Today we
celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. As I reflect on this day, I am drawn to
recall the creche that my mother painted in ceramics. It was a large display that
included Mary, Joseph, Jesus, shepherds, and many animals. This creche has been
in my family for some 70 years. Currently, it is in the possession of my
brother. Each of the figures was painstakingly painted with love and care. My job
as a child was to put the baby Jesus into His bed. It was such an honor to have
this job.
Apparently, my
mother made several of these for various family members. As time has passed,
they have been passed down within the family. My grandfather’s set will be
given to his great granddaughter, my oldest niece, to continue the tradition of
displaying this precious scene.
The life of
the holy family was not an easy one as they faced many obstacles. They faced scandal,
a census journey, and rejection. They embraced the journey with courage, trust,
and faith.
In many ways
their experience mirrors the struggles of many today. Migrants are fleeing
their homelands in search of safety. They are experiencing separation,
persecution, and difficult situations. These migrants are the holy families
today. Their experience is similar to that of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. May we
reach out and help them as we can.
We know that God
is with them and God is with us. May we always recognize God’s presence in our
lives, in the good times and the difficult ones. May we trust in God’s love and
plan for us.
