This Sunday is the feast of the Holy Family.

The image of the Holy Family I remember from my childhood was from the holy picture cards which portrayed them in a rather sanitised way. The reality of the life of the Holy Family was one of hardship shared with the community in which they lived. Joseph lived a hand to mouth existence entirely dependent on work coming in (or not sometimes). Mary had to make do with what was available. No doubt that from a young age the expectation was that Jesus would have help out as best he could. I think that the wonderful qualities that Jesus showed in his adult life were formed by Mary and Joseph in their family. From their experience of having lived in our world the Holy Family can identify with, and understand, the joys of family life, also the difficulties and hardships that families encounter. The Holy Family shows us that despite difficulties and hardship, love can bloom within the family and overflow to others. 



Be assured of my prayers for you all over the remaining Christmas period and always.

Fr Christopher