O God, Who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of Your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
the shining example of the Holy Family – For thirty years, Jesus lived His life in a family. He prayed with Mary and Joseph, worked with them, played with them, shared meals with them, and spent His time relaxing in their company. Jesus was even obedient to His earthly parents. Imagine that. The Son of God submitted Himself to Mary and Joseph's loving guidance and obeyed them. This is indeed a shining example of family life, an example of love and respect, enjoyment and docility, community and harmony, that we should strive to imitate.
practicing the virtues of family life – What are these virtues of family life? Exactly those that are listed above: first of all, love, then respect, enjoyment of one another, docility to each other, community, and harmony with each other. These virtues are practiced in the context of the theological virtues, faith, hope, and love, so that our family life may enter into the divine life of God.
in the bonds of charity – When most people hear the word “charity,” they automatically think about giving to the poor. While alms are indeed an important expression of charity, they certainly do not contain the entire meaning of the word. Charity is self-giving love, the kind of love that imitates and participates in God's love, the love through which the Father gave His only Son for us.
in the joy of Your house – In John 14:2, Jesus assures us, “In My Father's house there are many dwelling places,” and Jesus is going to prepare a place perfectly suited to each one of us that we may be where He is for all eternity. There we will experience perfect, pure joy.
delight one day in eternal rewards – Why are so many people afraid to die? Isn't death our ticket home to Heaven, to the delight our Lord has prepared for us, to the full enjoyment of His presence? Certainly we should respect and care for the earthly bodies God has given to us, but they are not permanent, and they must, therefore, take a back seat to our spirits, souls, and minds. Our physical health is important, but it is not nearly as important as our spiritual, mental, and emotional health. Our bodies will die one day; our souls will continue to live. Our first desire must always be to get to Heaven and to immerse ourselves in God and His eternal life and love.
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