Sunday Meditation: The Feast of the Holy Family

Murillo

Do you ever pray for your ancestors? Just think...without them you wouldn't be here. And are you a Catholic? Then you need to thank your ancestors for passing on the faith, unless you're a convert, of course, in which case you'll have others to thank. 

Think of the bumper sticker that says, "If you can read this, thank a teacher." We should all keep a card in our missals or prayer books that says, "If you can pray this, thank your parents...and your grandparents...and your great grandparents....and every single ancestor who took the faith seriously and passed it on. That's the most important gift parents have to give their children. 

May God bless all families today. I'm asking the intercession of the Holy Family for everyone who's ever touched my life, especially those who offered me the faith: my parents, the nuns in my Catholic schools, and everyone who encouraged me and nourished my faith: priests, teachers, siblings, friends, and especially my husband, Larry. 

Well, I guess I should say even more especially, God, my guardian angel, and my patron saints. A big high five to them and to anyone in heaven and purgatory who's praying for me (and on earth too). Thank you. That's the best Christmas gift of all -- to love and keep the faith. 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, save souls!