Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

Today's Mass Readings

 

When I was in third grade our house alarm went off in the middle of the night. All the bedrooms were upstairs, and we feared that an intruder had entered the house downstairs. My brothers and I ran to my parents’ bedroom. My Dad went downstairs to investigate. Alone. In the dark. Unarmed.

While it turned out that the alarm was a false alarm, it still taught me a serious lesson. I knew my father was a good provider, but at that moment I came to appreciate his role in our family as protector.

When St. Joseph hears of Herod’s plan to destroy his son, he takes action. He is father and protector. Joseph doesn’t flee from his responsibilities, but he makes the sacrifices to ensure the safety for his wife and child. He is the protector of the Holy Family.

I encourage you to be faithful to the duties and responsibilities in accord with your state in life. When we avoid or become careless in fulfilling our duties, we choose to walk a path different from the one God intended for us. Also, it is very much the case that we have to protect our relationship with Jesus. I find so many people become forgetful of this relationship when they are busy. St. Joseph is our model for doing whatever it takes to protect this all-important relationship with Jesus. Do whatever it takes to make time for prayer, to foster this loving relationship, to sacrifice your time and energy and guard it from all threats, internal and external.

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB