Most important Qualities of the Holy Family

Gospel Thoughts*

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*Feast of the Holy Family*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 or Lk 2:41-52*

*First Reading - Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28*

*SECOND READING - Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24*

*Most important Qualities of the Holy Family*

*1) Taking Children to the Temple*

This is what Joseph and Mary did as responsible parents. 

Taking children to the temple, teaching them about the faith and morals and giving them faith education is one of the most important things among many others things, which are done by the parents 

So faith education starts from the parents and not from any one else 

*2) Searching for the Children*

When Joseph and Mary could not find Jesus they immediately started to search for Jesus 

They practically came back to the temple searching for Jesus. Finally they found Jesus 

When children are lost, it is the responsibility of the parents to search for the children. 

In our modern times our children are lost in many things of this world. Many of them are out of the track. So they need to be searched for bringing them back. 

As responsibile parents are we ready?

*3) Awareness that the Children are Lost*

Only when Joseph and Mary realised that Jesus had been lost, they started searching for him. 

Awareness of the fact is very much necessary to get into action 

There is no doubt that there are many of our children are lost in many things. But the question is how many of our parents are aware that their children are lost? 

Or how many parents are ready to accept the fact that they are lost. At times parents don't accept the fact that their children are lost in many things. In such case no one can bring them back 

*4) Questioning the Children*

Mary Questioned Jesus when He was lost in the Temple. 

*“Son, why have you done this to us?* was the question of Mary. 

Questioning is very important to correct the Children and to bring them back to the right track. 

Questioning helps the parents to have better control over the children and to correct them 

It also helps the parents to know the children better and to guide them in the right path 

Are our parents ready to question the Children???

*5) Anxiety about the Children*

Mary and Joseph were in anxiety when they lost Jesus from their life 

A certain amount of anxiety about the children is always good. It helps the parents to keep a close watch over the childrens behavior and attitudes 

Not having any anxiety about the children is not a good sign of the parents 

*6) Pondering over the daily facts of life*

Mary did not understand many of the things. But she treasured all those things in her heart. 

At times parenting becomes difficult, many things are not understood. At times it appears to be a mystery. The only solution to this issue is to ponder them in the heart, which will help the parents to know the things in a better way. 

Am I ready to ponder over the facts, or take them into the heart? 

What are the things about my children, I ponder in my heart????

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*