The Importance of Family

Dear Friends,

Nothing is more important in life than our family relationships. Nothing. No matter how we characterize our own, family life is basis, indispensable and in threatened. Still, we have probably had more of family life during this pandemic year than we have had in any other.

Not only are young children experiencing distance learning at home, but our older children are unexpectedly home from college for longer periods. Perhaps our sons and daughters, who have lived in distant cities have been laid off and can’t afford their housing anyone. Maybe grandparents have joined us or cousins. Is the atmosphere relaxed? Probably not. Families in any circumstances need to work at their life together, but in this year of anxiety, boredom and loose ends, the work of the family becomes more arduous. However, we experience it, it’s true: We grow as humans in our family only through commitment, perseverance and courage. Whatever it takes!

It’s no surprise that the liturgists who put together the biblical texts for Holy Family Sunday include portions from Matthew and Luke, who reveal not only the covenant of love between Mary and Joseph, their moments of awe and wonder, but also the stresses they experienced.

In our own family lives, I hope that, like Mary and Joseph, we accept each other’s dreams, support each other and accept the support of strangers like Simeon and Anna.

While we can’t imitate the lives of Jesus and Mary step by step, we can be like them – open and responsive to the beckoning of God and help each other live it out. As Paul says in Colossians today, in our family interactions, let us put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Family life is precious, whether it is our own personal family, where our weaknesses are accommodated and our victories applauded, or whether it is the family of the universe to which we belong.

When Pope Francis was in Philadelphia in 2015, he focused on the family: “A healthy family requires the frequent use of these three phrases – 'May I please,' 'thank you,' and 'I’m sorry.'”

If any of us is looking for New Year’s resolutions, a holy place to start may be bringing to life in our home the examples of Mary and Joseph, the words of Paul to the Colossians and Pope Francis.

We have the human resources to do so.

~ Sister Joan Sobala