Our Faith and the Foundation of Love for Others

By John C. Preiss

In today’s world, families are constantly confronted by noise, busyness, and distractions that can pull them away from their true purpose. Yet, amid these challenges, the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—stands as an enduring model for how to live with faith, love, and virtue. By intentionally imitating their example, modern families can find peace and purpose, even in the midst of chaos.

The Foundation: Love for God and Each Other

At the heart of the Holy Family was a deep and unwavering love for God. Their faithfulness to God’s will shaped their love for one another and strengthened their unity. This love was not passive; it was active, manifesting in daily choices to serve, forgive, and accept each other. For families today, making God the cornerstone means prioritizing prayer, worship, and acts of kindness in the home. When God is at the center, love for each other flourishes, providing a solid foundation amid life’s storms.

Practicing Virtues in Daily Life

The Holy Family’s life was marked by key virtues: humility, obedience, patience, forgiveness, and charity. These were not abstract ideals but practical habits lived out in ordinary and difficult moments. For example, when Joseph could not find a proper inn for Mary, he humbly accepted a stable, showing gratitude in adversity. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, despite her own pregnancy, exemplifies self-giving love and service.

Families can imitate these virtues by:

- Practicing humility—acknowledging each person’s strengths and weaknesses without judgment.

- Embracing obedience—not only to God but also in respecting family roles and responsibilities.

- Showing patience and forgiveness—especially in moments of tension or disappointment.

- Living charity—serving one another and extending kindness beyond the family circle.

Building a Community of Love and Sharing

Pope Paul VI emphasized that families must be “communities of love and sharing,” where each member is willing to offer themselves for the sake of others. This attitude counters the self-centeredness promoted by much of today’s culture. By fostering a spirit of self-giving, parents teach children the raw material for loving relationships—with God, future spouses, and the wider world. It is important for families to be together and share their experiences.

God’s has a Plan

The Holy Family’s journey was not free from uncertainty or hardship, yet they trusted God’s plan with reverent piety. In a world that prizes control and certainty, families can imitate this trust by surrendering anxieties to God, seeking His guidance in decisions, and remaining open to His will—even when it leads down unexpected paths.

Turning to the Holy Family for Help

Finally, the Holy Family is not just a distant example; they are powerful intercessors. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph desire to help families become “a communion of saints.” Turning to them in prayer, asking for their guidance and protection, brings grace and strength to our daily life. We have many examples in our faith that we can follow.

If we imitate the Holy Family’s love for God, practice of virtue, spirit of sharing, trust in God’s plan, and reliance on prayer, we can rise above the noise and busyness of the world. The Holy Family shows us that marriage and family are sacred, that virtue is the key to flourishing together, and that we are never alone on this journey.