Growing up in Catholic schools, I was taught to place the initials J.M.J. in the top right
corner of all my work. This served as a constant reminder to sacrifice my efforts to the Holy Family; Jesus, Mary, &
Joseph. I remember striving to offer only my best efforts in their honor. As an adult, I believe that it
is even more worthwhile to do the same.
The Holy Family exemplifies the ideal for all families. While living
thousands of years before these "modern" times, Joseph and Mary struggled
with many of the same difficulties as we do today.
Can you imagine the fears Mary must have experienced? First, an angel
appears; informing her that she is entrusted with the awesome responsibility
of carrying God's Son.. She then has to convince her mother and her fiance
that she is telling the truth.. Her marriage did not exactly start off easily..
having to travel, Very Pregnant miles from her home; her family; her friends.
I am sure that she was frightened about the fast approaching time of labor.
No high tech hospitals there!
Meanwhile, what about Joseph?? His fiance springs news of a pregnancy.. One that he Knows is not
his.. He too receives an angelic visitation.. He wants to protect the woman he loves, yet .. if what she
claims is true.. HE is to be the earthly father of the coming Messiah!! He is but a poor
carpenter.. He wants to provide for his family, yet when the time comes for the birth of GOD'S
Son.. he cannot even find a room.. His family is then pursued by Satan's accomplices.. They have to flee to
safety in a foreign land.
As parents, they had incredible responsibilities.. to "teach" Their Savior..
They worried about family, about finances; of health; of love..
They went through experiencing the joys and pains of life.. the life which
God had planned.. The difference, however, was through their complete acceptance of
His will in their lives.. in that "Yes, Lord!!" they uttered so willingly.. the "Yes" echoing still today..
providing a path to Salvation.
Even our Lord, Jesus Christ, had His time of human trial.. He also went through
periods when He may have preferred for God to take His Cross... but prefaced His request only
if it was God's will..
It is my hope that each of us may gain the peace needed to also do His bidding. To accept
our individual crosses and in times when they seem to be too heavy, to turn to the examples
set before us.. and to always remember we are Never alone!!
May this site help you in your individual journey!! God bless and may the Holy Spirit fill your
heart with His Peace!!
Consecration to the Holy Family
O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world
with Thy teaching and example, didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace and concord in Christian love: in order that by living according to the divine pattern of Thy family we
may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness.
Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by the kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.
O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, help us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal needs; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity.
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be three times. Amen.
Wish to Share a Little Inspiration?
Be Not Afraid
Sometimes we allow the world's worries to overwhelm.. A helpful reminder!
True Wisdom
For when we question "Why??"
When You Believe
Miracles happen each and every day.. if only you believe!!
The Bread of Life
Hungered?? Thirsty?? Look for the True Bread of Life!!
One Sweet Day
Experiencing the loss of a loved one is never easy.. no matter when.. or what the circumstances.. but there
is Hope!! A Light in the darkness!!