We may already have heard these words saying that "we cannot choose who will be our parents and our lineage from which we come”. In like manner, even the parents will not be able to choose who their children will be like. In shaping our entire humanity, our moral values, beliefs and faith; our environment, our family, our friends and the society have a great influence.
That's why in our Catholic Church, family is important. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honor God and make good use of freedom.” (#2207)
However, due to the continuous modernization, atheism, new technologies that are not used correctly and various ideologies - let's also include poverty- some families are facing today a big test that ends up in broken marriages, in which more affected are the children. Family members live together in the same house, but each one feels disconnected and lonely. Therefore, there is lack of true love, loyalty between spouses, siblings and even between parents and children.
In the trial that a number of families are facing today, let's model the Holy Family that consists of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. This family was ordinary and also experienced problems and sorrows, but it became an extraordinary family because its members were united in love for and in obedience to God. It was indeed a family united in God's love. As a Holy Family, its members placed God at the center of their family life.
Imagine the great change that will happen in our world if every family imitates the holiness and the virtues of Humility, selfless love and unwavering faith of the Holy Family. No doubt, by living out these virtues, a family is strengthened and keep hope in God, the author of marriage. As an illustration of Christ's relationship with the Church, the spouses should do their best to keep on being the mirror of this unbreakable covenant.
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica as he officially inaugurated the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” Let's pray that all families around the world may only focus their hope on God, Amen.
