We might think that the dramatic nature of the birth of the savior into the Holy Family does not provide us with much in the way of a model for we regular families. We probably don't often experience deliverance from immediate danger by the directions of angelic beings. The supernatural aspect of the events that surrounded the birth of Jesus may cause us to set the Holy Family on a pedestal for admiration, but not so much for imitation. But maybe we can learn from Joseph and his family after all.
the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
What would happen if this event did occur within the context of our own families? We can imagine that a wife might not easily believe that her husband had heard from an angel, in particular in that angel suggested some massive life-altering change of plans. Perhaps a very spiritual woman might readily believe that an angel had suggested increased prayer or alms-giving because of angelic influence. But how quickly would she agree to relocate the family on the basis of revelation? Thus, we can see that, in this instance as well as others, the functioning of the Holy Family was predicated on trust. Joseph decided to trust Mary about what she was told by an angel about the birth of her Son. Mary knew Joseph well enough to trust him when he told her about this appearance of an angel. No doubt it helped establish this trust that it was an angel who caused him to stick with her until this point. In our own families we are usually more suspicious of one another, and more doubtful of God's ability to intervene in our lives. We ourselves would probably second guess the angel and then allow ourselves to be entirely talked out of belief by the questioning of our spouse. 'Are you sure that's what you heard?' 'Am I?' But Joseph was different. He recognized the divine messenger and believed him. Mary trusted Joseph enough to endure hardship for the sake of something that was only revealed to Joseph. She did not begrudge the fact that she was not separately told. She was happy to see Joseph receive unique gifts for his unique role. But this was possible because he always used his role at the service of the family as a whole. He never exploited his authority for his own sake. A normal person might have been tempted to avoid all of the hardship which Joseph had to endure for the sake of his wife and child. But Joseph not only didn't avoid difficulties, but didn't hesitate to embrace them to see the divine destiny of his family fulfilled.
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
We may think that the virtues that define family life, and the implications of the fourth commandment are boring and basic. But the Holy Family demonstrates that when these things encounter real life circumstances we can't discount them so easily. They are precisely the basis and the glue that keep individual groups and society as a whole from coming apart at the seems. Of course, the only way to ensure that we are faithful in extraordinary circumstances is if we are first faith in ordinary ones. If we want to be ready to follow the guidance of an angel we ought at least try to be open for more subtle direction from the Lord in our daily lives. Indeed, our lives may be mundane, but they need not by dull. If we heed the advice of Paul we will be both fulfilled by what we now have and ready to move the moment the Lord calls us.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Third Day - Angels We Have Heard On High
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