The Holy Family is the model family.
This post originally appeared on Instagram on January 29, 2021.
Jesus was not born primarily into a village or a society. He chose to be born to a humble couple, Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This was not an accident! A good family is the safest and best place for a child to grow.
The Holy Family has been the model for many holy families. Joseph and Mary’s prayerful discernment of—and obedience to—God’s will, their bond with each other, Jesus’ obedience to His earthly parents: all of these things were made possible because love gives us an ability to care for each person as an individual.
Our western culture attempts, at virtually every turn, to co-opt the roles of parents by making decisions of faith, education, health, morality. The state makes decisions based on (what they perceive to be) the good of the whole society. But God sees us each as unique!
“The family is the original cell of social life.” (CCC 2207)
Parents have the privilege and responsibility of making these critical decisions for their children. Guide them in the way of faith, protect the health of their bodies, teach them their academic lessons or to delegate it to another adult of goodwill.
The state’s role is to support families so that they may complete their God-given duties, not to seek to supplant them.
Rest assured, parents. Your role is vital. In a normal family life (a family lacking abuse and neglect, which includes the majority of families) the ability to make important decisions is yours and yours alone.
This is a God-given duty and gift. The state cannot rightfully take them away because these rights and responsibilities come from God.
Look to the Holy Family.
Fathers, get to know Saint Joseph. Mothers, get to know the Blessed Mother. Parents, get to know the child Jesus, the better to love your own children!
I pray that parents begin to gain the confidence to make these decisions, and that the Church will be blessed with children who grew up in holy families modeled after the gifts and virtues of Joseph and Mary, inspired by their intimate closeness with God.
