Flight of Holy Family

Reggio Emilia – The painting of Flight of Holy Family to Egypt in church Chiesa di Santo Stefano iStock/sedmak

Division in the household can certainly dim the glory of domestic life. Jesus grew up in the stability of the Holy Family, and after those hidden years, later taught during his earthly ministry that a house divided cannot stand.

Family, social and political life the past 12 months have given us a spiritual workout, beyond what we desired to manage. Entering Holy Week this early spring, as Lent nears its end, gives us much to consider and pray about.

The past year — with its limited activities — has taught us much about patience and understanding. Many learned that knowing each other better through courageous conversations can close the gap on what divides us. This helps all relationships we have, and not only at home. Yet, if things are not right in home life — divided, so to speak — astute friends and colleagues will notice.

Hence, it’s wise to raise our hearts and minds in prayer to the Holy Family for assistance. Given its members are God Incarnate and the two greatest saints in their proper order — the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, our spiritual parents — the Holy Family has much to offer. In this Year of St. Joseph, the spiritual arsenal available supports the well-deserved hype to “Go to Joseph.” His sinless spouse and Jesus entrusted many years to his fatherly leadership during a divided, tenuous time.

To teach us important things that instill unity inside and outside of the home, it takes recalling the silent witness of St. Joseph, the Glory of Domestic Life (among his many titles). Our Lady’s words to St. Bridget in private revelation tells much of the character of the family leader during those hidden years: “Saint Joseph was so reserved and careful in his speech that not one word ever issued from his mouth that was not good and holy, nor did he ever indulge in unnecessary or less than charitable conversation. He was most patient and diligent in bearing fatigue; he practiced extreme poverty; he was most meek in bearing injuries; he was strong and constant against enemies; he was the faithful witness of the wonders of heaven.” Church fathers and numerous saints attest to his virtue.

Should we not strive to model such behavior to promote unity? Granted, Joseph had the perfect Son with whom to teach and live a devout, hard-working, moral life. Jesus’ ministry speaks to the qualities he would have observed and learned perfectly as a child growing up in Jewish life. Furthermore, one in good faith could sensibly reason that these traits were in the home in which “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man” (Lk 2:52). For those who have participated recently in the “Consecration to St. Joseph,” a 33-day journey that led to his Solemnity on March 19, great! If not, target another feast day. St. Joseph the Worker is May 1!

Come Holy Week, recollect the experience of the Holy Family with Jesus as “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14). As Catholic Watchmen standing at the breach with family, friend and neighbor, we are called to embrace the spiritual leadership of St. Joseph. Learning about Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph in their powerful intercession can help bond that which divides us — bringing glory to domestic life.

Deacon Bird ministers at St. Joseph in Rosemount and All Saints in Lakeville, and assists the archdiocese’s Catholic Watchmen movement. Reach him at [email protected]. Learn about the Catholic Watchmen at archspm.org/faith-communities/men.