Reflect today on the fact that God wants you to share a communion of life

When they had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, full of wisdom; and God's favor was upon him. Luke 2: 39–40

Today we honor family life in general by pausing to meditate on the particular and beautiful life hidden inside the house of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. In many ways, their daily life together would have been very similar to that of other families at the time. But in other ways, their life together is completely unique and provides us with a perfect model for all families.

By providence and God's plan, very little was mentioned in Scripture about the family life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We read about the birth of Jesus, the presentation in the Temple, the flight into Egypt and the finding of Jesus in the Temple at the age of twelve. But aside from these stories of their life together, we know very little.

The phrase from today's Gospel quoted above, however, gives us some insights to ponder. First, we see that this family "has fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord ..." While this is in reference to Jesus presented in the Temple, it should also be understood for all aspects of their life together. Family life, just like our individual life, must be ordered by the laws of our Lord.

The primary law of the Lord regarding family life is that it must participate in the unity and "communion of love" found in the life of the Most Holy Trinity. Each person of the Holy Trinity has a perfect respect for the other, gives himself unreservedly selflessly and receives each person in his totality. It is their love that makes them one and enables them to act together in perfect harmony as a communion of divine Persons. Although St. Joseph was not immaculate in his nature, the perfection of love lived in his divine Son and his immaculate wife. This overwhelming gift of their perfect love would lead them daily towards the perfection of their lives.

Reflect on your closest relationships today. If you are lucky enough to have a close family, consider it. If not, meditate on the people in your life that you are called to love with family love. Who are you there for in the good times and the bad? For whom do you have to sacrifice your life without reserve? Who are you to offer respect, compassion, time, energy, mercy, generosity, and every other virtue? And how well do you fulfill this duty of love?

Reflect today on the fact that God wants you to share a communion of life, not only with the Holy Trinity but also with those around you, especially with your family. Try to meditate on the hidden life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and try to make their family relationship the model of how you love others. May their perfect communion of love be a model for us all.

Lord, drag me into the life, love and communion you lived with your Immaculate Mother and St. Joseph. I offer you myself, my family and all those to whom I am called to love with a special love. May I imitate the love and life of your family in all my relationships. Help me know how to change and grow so that I can more fully share your family life. Jesus I believe in you.