Pope Benedict XVI summarized the role of the family as follows, “The family is the privileged setting where every person learns to give and receive love . . . an intermediate institution between individuals and society and nothing can completely take its place.  The family is a necessary good for peoples, an indispensable foundation for society, and a great and lifelong treasure for couples.  The family is also a school that enables men and women to grow to the full measure of their humanity”.

As we celebrate the The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I spent some time exploring wisdom on what we can do to keep our families strong.  I found some sage advice from a Christian church in Los Angeles:

1. Put Christ in the center of your family life.  The common denominator among strong civilizations is a common spiritual belief.  Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.  He wants our families to thrive.  Ephesians 6:13 tells us to “put on the armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground”.  The only way for us to thrive in an unstable society is to stand by the principles of our faith.

1. Put the marriage first (Ephesians 5:25).  Spouses are called to give themselves to each other as Christ gave himself to the Church.  What did he do? – he died for us, gave himself completely for our good.  The husband and wife, not career, money, or possessions or even children, are the core of the family.  The greatest gift spouses can give to their children is to love each other.  Continue to grow as individuals and as a couple, and always keep your relationship new, exciting, and alive.  

1. Guarding your heart, mind, and ears (Philippians 4:8).  Staying focused on the Word, using discernment when deciphering society’s trends, monitoring media intake, and surrounding yourselves and your family with like-minded people are important ways to maintain strength and focus as a Catholic Christian family.  Find friends that model strong, life-giving marriages and cherish quality family life.  All of us need role models and cheerleaders.

1. Preparing your children to serve (Mark 12:30-31).  God calls us to love our neighbors, to respect the dignity and worth of every human being, to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world.  We are told we can find Christ when we serve those in most need (Matthew 25).  Parents should encourage their children to walk in line with their God-given purpose and teach them to give back.

1. Doing things together as a family (Proverbs 22:6). Parents are called in the baptism rite to be the first and the best teachers for their children.  Children are always watching.  Whether by worshipping together, enjoying family leisure time, grace at meals, remembering Church while on vacation, or doing charitable works, spending quality time together as a family is critical.  Sharing experiences creates cherished memories that last a lifetime. As the saying goes, “The family that plays and prays together, stays together.”

1. Having faith in faith (1Peter 2:9).  For centuries we’ve overcome trials by summoning faith in Christ Jesus.  But lately, many have turned their backs on faith.  True strength is found by “walking the walk”, by surrendering our wills to the will of the Father, having the courage to let Christ transform our lives and help us to become the “best version of ourselves”.  It is the path to life in abundance, peace beyond all understanding, and a joy that overcomes all the tumult of this world.

Let us pray with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, “O God, who in the Holy Family left us a perfect model of family life lived in faith and obedience to your will, help us to be examples of faith and love.”

Help our families to thrive, to grow strong in your love so we might fulfill your will for us and bring glory to your name.  Amen.