Seek Peace

~~~ Feast of the Holy Family ~~~

~~Sir 3:2-6, 12-14~~Psalm 128~~Col 3:12-21~~Mt 2:13-15, 19-23~~

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus did not have the Christmas card perfect beginning.

They had many trials and heartaches to face.
Joseph was chosen to be the head of the household
 because he was obedient to God,
but let us also remember that he loved Mary.
Joseph loved Mary before he had one visit from the angel
or a single dream from God.

We are given the blueprint for a strong family...
The man is the head of the house...he is the protector...
he is the one who leads the family in the way of the Lord.

This is often not the way in our society today;
too many times the fathers are absent.
Even worse they may disappear completely.

Joseph had learned by now not to question the angel of his dreams.
And it was his role to care for his family...
to keep them out of harms way.

Just imagine for a moment what it would be like to know
someone in authority was looking to kill your child.
How frightening that must have been for these new parents.

Paul gives us the complete formula
for having a peaceful, loving family unit.
In fact this is everything we need to know to live in peace
and harmony with everyone in our life, but especially
with our family members.

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.

Somehow as Mary and Joseph fled with their tiny baby
 they were given the peace of God.
They were reassured that this was exactly
 what they needed to do for their son's safety.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

The Holy Family shows us how to walk with the Lord
when facing great fear...
fear for the life of their son.

The way of the Lord is ultimately the way of peace.
Your world may be crumbling down around you,
but the Lord promises you his peace.

Ask for an increase in his gift of Peace...
you will be blessed.
Let the peace of the Lord filter into your heart now.