As Christmas approaches, we look at the Holy Family as an example of virtue and love, especially in service to others.
1. In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizaheth (Lk 1:39). Am I inspired by the life of the Blessed Virgin to look for ways to serve others?
2. Mary's humility pours forth in the Magnificat... And you and I, who are proud — who were proud — promise to be humble (Holy Rosary, 2nd Joyful Mystery). When do I praise and thank God? Is my humility born and nourished by contemplating the greatness of God's love?
3. When Elizaheth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb (Lk 1:41). Do I pass on to others, by my words and my attitudes, the joy of living with Christ?
4. In Bethlehem, no one reserves anything for himself. There we hear nothing of my reputation, my time, my work, my ideas, my preferences, my money (Letter, 74 February 7974, 2). Do I cultivate in my own family the virtues that shine out in the family of Bethlehem: mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience? Could I be more helpful at home, taking on tasks that I usually leave for others?
5. Our gaze turns towards the stable in Bethlehem, and the home in Nazareth. Mary, Joseph, the Child Jesus, occupy in a very special way the center of our heart. What does the life of that Holy Family, a life at once simple and admirable, tell us? (Christ is passing by, 22).
6. They found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger (Lk 2:16). Do I ask the Holy Family to help me grow in love and self-giving in my marriage?
7. They fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankinsense and myrrh (Mt 2:11). What gift could I put at Jesus' feet? Am I convinced that he receives whatever we offer him with a smile?
8. Have I learnt from Mary and Joseph how to make do with no more than what I need, while trying to give my family the well-being they deserve?