We all are part of a family, whether if it is blood related, school, work or parish we have each other to lean on. This weekend we rejoice as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. This Feast was added to the calendar by Pope Leo XIII in 1893 to highlight the importance of the Christian family and to point to the Holy Family as a model for all families to follow. In the first reading from Sirach, we read how a wise teacher offers a valuable lesson. A family held together by love and respect will enjoy many blessings. In the Gospel of Luke we read about finding Jesus in the temple. Twelve year old Jesus (this is the only story in the four gospels that portrays Jesus as an adolescent) is found in the temple by Mary and Joseph after being lost for three days. They find him sitting amongst the teachers, engaging them in questions and conversation. The Holy Family had their challenges like us, but they are a great model to follow.
We know there is no perfect family, we all face challenges every day. Let us pray for those families that are divided or experiencing divorce, separation, drug addiction, abuse, or infidelity. Let us pray that we all may become one.